Forget the sleigh, this year Santa arrives in Shrewsbury with style – via a helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School based at RAF Shawbury.
Santa will visit the town earlier than usual, arriving for a flying visit on December 11.
Father Christmas will swap his flying reindeer for the helicopter for one day only and will land in the Quarry at approximately 11.30am where he will be met by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Kath Owen.
Next he will travel to the town’s Market Hall via sleigh ride, thanks to Shrewsbury Lions Club.
Youngsters will then have the chance to visit Santa in his grotto, at units 41 and 42 on the gallery level, and post their Christmas lists in specially marked post boxes. Every child who posts a letter will receive an extra special reply, direct from the North Pole.
Letters will be available for children to complete from the Market Hall and can also be downloaded from the Town Council website at www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk
The Santa event and grotto are being organised by Shrewsbury Town Council, in association with the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury, Shrewsbury Lions Club and the town’s Market Hall.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk said: “The Town Council wanted to organise something special for children, and even the big kids, in the town so when Santa agreed to pop in for a flying visit we were delighted.
”We would like to say a very big thank you to the Defence Helicopter Flying School for making this happen, and also to Shrewsbury Lions Club for its support.
“We hope to see lots of people in the Quarry on Saturday and don’t forget to visit Santa in his grotto at the Market Hall later on!”
Kate Gittins, Site Facilities Manager at Shrewsbury Market Hall, where the Town Council runs the canopied stalls, added: “I am delighted to be a part of Santa’s flying visit to Shrewsbury and look forward to welcoming him here in his grotto at the Market Hall. Don’t forget to call in to post your Christmas lists – who knows, you might get an extra special reply!”