Crowds roll in for Stratford Light Party

Jake Petrie (5) went to the party dressed as Rafiki from The Lion King.

The Mountain View Vineyard church light party certainly wasn't light when it came to the candy component of the night.

In fact, a rather heavy 80kg of confectionary was handed out over the night, along with 800 drinks and 600 sausages.

Ann Worthington, one of the organisers of the event which has been an annual highlight for Stratford children since 2004, says they think it was the biggest year yet for the light party.

"We didn't count people coming in. It would have been impossible, the line was so long at times, but we went through so many drinks and sausages and lollies, we think it was around 900 people."

She says the organisers were grateful to everyone who got involved, from the families who attended, the church members who gave their time and creativity, and the local businesses who helped sponsor prizes and things on the night.

Stratford mum Sam Petrie says she loves helping her children plan their costumes for the light party each year.

"It has become a bit of a thing for me. I like getting creative and coming up with ideas for the costumes to go with the theme."

Sam's son, Jake, was dressed as Rafiki from The Lion King in a costume his mum put together with some clever op shopping, sewing and face paint. Jake said he liked the party, "and winning lollies".