Santa will be taking to the waves for a special visit to Poole Quay on Sunday 29 November.
Supported by the RNLI, Santa will be arriving by decorated Lifeboat at 10am, before boarding Poole Land Train for a short trip up and down Poole Quay accompanied by Dorset Youth Marching Band, Zumba Snowmen and some of the cast from Lighthouse’s Christmas show, Peter Pan.
Santa and his helpers will then do a slow walkabout along the Quay from the old Corkers Restaurant to the Thistle Hotel, to meet the crowds, giving out goodies donated thanks to the Elves at Poole Town Centre Sainsburys, plus independent shops Truly Scrumptious and The Cabin located in the Lower High Street.
To entertain the crowds whilst Santa makes his way along the Quay, Bournemouth Carnival Band, Jamie Jigsaw, stilt walkers, fire performers and a plate spinning penguin will add to the fun. After meeting families, Santa will say his goodbyes and leave the Quay at 12noon by RNLI Lifeboat.
Organised by Poole Tourism, his extra special stop is the result of the council, with support from local business and organisations, arranging a smaller parade following last year’s decision by the Dolphin Shopping Centre to no longer hold the traditional parade and instead focus on other Christmas activities.
Cllr Xena Dion, said “We know that lots of people enjoy Santa’s arrival on the Quay and last year with help from the RNLI, Lighthouse, Sainsbury’s and other businesses we were able to arrange it as part of another community event. This year we are delighted that it is taking place as a smaller event in its own right and we hope that people come and enjoy it. Our thanks go to everyone who has supported us again. Unfortunately because of significant and on going funding cuts facing the Council, this is the last year we are able to pay for the event. We want to make residents aware now and give as much notice as possible so that any other organisations or community groups who would want to fund and deliver the event the chance to get in touch.”
Groups and organisations expressing an interest in the future of the event can contacttourism@pooletourism.com.
Poole Quay road closure will be in place from 9am-12noon. As part of Poole’s free Christmas parking, town centre car parks will be free of charge on 29 November from 10am-6pm. For more information on the event see pooletourism.com.
