Mailed over from a friend in the States, from the Mail originally:
10/12/04 – News and city section 

Police called to Santa rumble
By Daily Mail
Police called to a mass brawl found an army of Santas
punching and kicking each other.
Officers had to use batons and CS spray to quell the fight
in the centre of Newtown,
Powys.
Four were hurt and there were five arrests.
The battle of the Santas followed a 21/2-mile charity run
involving more than 4,000 people dressed as Father Christmas. Some of them are
believed to have overindulged in alcohol after crossing the finishing line.

The fun run is expected to benefit up to 200 charities and
it is hoped that it will exceed last year’s total raised of £80,000.
Organisers believe they have broken their own world record
for having the most number of Santas in the same place. Last year a mere 3,200
took part.
PC Gareth Slaymaker, community safety officer for North
Powys, said: ‘ Behaviour like this justifies the reluctance by the police to
extend the licensing hours for public houses and bars for
this type of event’.

Getting these sorts of cuttings from this particular guy is always difficult, as he’s actually my business partner. I’m never quite sure whether they are to remind me that he’s looking at me askance or just to wind me up. Fortunately, in this particular case, I don’t have to worry. It is in Wales after all, nothing to do with me, not all that surprising either.