Father Christmas will be dropping into Shrewsbury Market Hall later this month for two extra-special visits.
Santa will be making a list, and checking it twice, in readiness for two appearances on December 10 from 10am until 4pm and December 14 from 4pm until 8pm.
Boys and girls will be able to visit Santa in his grotto and will receive an extra special handmade gift, courtesy of Compost Kids.
A fee of £2 per child is payable upon entry with all proceeds going to Hope House.
Members of the public are invited to bring along their cameras for photo opportunities with Santa.
There will also be a chance to see Father Christmas in his sleigh at midday when he takes a loop of the town (weather permitting).
Santa will depart from the Market Hall, travel along Smithfield Road to Castle Foregate, Dogpole, along High Street and returning back to the Market Hall grotto where he will stay until 4pm.
Santa’s sleigh, which is being provided by the Shawbury and Mid Shropshire Rotary Club, will be parked outside the main entrance of the Market Hall for members of the public to see following the loop of the town.
Kelly Goodall, Hope House area fundraiser said: “Hope House Children’s Hospices provide practical and emotional support to families facing the pain of losing their precious child. It costs over £4 million a year to run both hospices which rely almost entirely upon donations, as well as many generous individuals who fundraise on our behalf by organising fantastic fundraising events across the regions.”
Sam Pooley from ilovecompost added: “We are pleased to be able to support Hope House by providing the setting for Santa’s Grotto. We have had great fun designing and making gifts for the children and hope to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful cause.”
Santa’s visit is being arranged by Hope House, Compost Kids, the Market Hall and Shrewsbury Town Council and is just one of a series of festive activities scheduled to take place at the shopping venue in the run up to Christmas.
On Friday [DEC 2] this year’s Tree of Memories will be officially launched by members of the cast from Theatre Severn’s panto, Aladdin.
People can write a message to a friend, relative, loved one, or even a pet, past or present, and attach it to a bauble which will remain on the tree over the festive period.
Charities that have benefited from the scheme over the last five years include, Lingen Davies, Hope House, Macmillan Cancer Support and NSPCC.
This year’s nominated beneficiary is Lingen Davies Cancer Relief.
There will also be festive musical performances throughout the run up to Christmas including Wilfred Owen School Choir on December 6 who will be singing from 12pm and the Phoenix Singers who will perform on December 17 from 11am-12pm.
On December 14 it’s late night opening at the Market Hall, stalls will be open until 8pm and there will be performances from Two Flutes and a Piano at 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm and the Mere Singers from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Kate Gittins, Site Facilities manager at the market said: “We have a packed programme of entertainment for all ages over the festive period from yuletide carols, to late night shopping, the Tree of Memories and of course, Santa himself. As well as enjoying our festive treats, visitors to the Market Hall also have the chance to help two worthwhile causes, Hope House and Lingen Davies.”
For more information on the Market Hall log on to www.markethallshrewsbury.co.uk