Organisers have hailed a special Christmas event – which saw Santa arrive in Shrewsbury’s Quarry with style, via a helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School based at RAF Shawbury – a huge success.
Father Christmas visited Shrewsbury earlier than usual and stopped in for a flying visit on December 11.
He landed at 11.30am precisely and was greeted by the town’s Mayor, Councillor Kath Owen, before being whisked off to the indoor Market Hall where dozens of children visited Santa in his grotto.
The Santa event and grotto were organised by Shrewsbury Town Council, in association with the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury and the town’s Market Hall.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk said: “The event went phenomenally well and it was great to see all the children, and even the big kids, so excited when Santa landed in the helicopter. It made a bit of a change for Father Christmas too, swapping his reindeer for the day!
“We would like to say a very big thank you to the Defence Helicopter Flying School for making this happen.”
Kate Gittins, Site Facilities Manager at Shrewsbury Market Hall, where the Town Council runs the canopied stalls, added: “The Market Hall was delighted to be a part of this special Christmas event and it was wonderful to see so many happy faces at Santa’s grotto. Hopefully Father Christmas will be able to fit us into his busy schedule again next year and we can make this a regular feature!”