Santa Claus is coming to town – well to Dorchester’s Brewery Square anyway – and this will enable funds to be raised for Diverse Abilities.

As well as a visit from Santa, there will be a Christmas Treasure Trail, late-night shopping, and various promotions from businesses.

Brewery Square has partnered with Dorset’s disability charity, to launch a virtual Santa’s grotto on Saturday 19th December. Families can dial into a special video call with Santa in the heart of the complex, with a booking system and social distancing rules in place. Attendees are encouraged to donate £10 towards Diverse Abilities when booking.

Naomi Richards, corporate fundraiser at Diverse Abilities commented, “This year we’re providing more than 8,000 hours of care over the Christmas period, so these donations will help to make a difference when it comes to providing various festive arts and crafts sessions, baking days, movie nights, and much more for all the children and adults we support across the county. We really appreciate the partnership we have with Brewery Square, and the ability to be able to support these events in a safe environment.”

The Christmas Treasure Trail will run from Saturday 19 December to Thursday 24 December.

Various businesses at Brewery Square are offering late-night shopping hours each Thursday. Those extending their hours include Loco Loves, Vinyl Van, Morrish & Banham and Thomas J William.

Woods Furniture is also offering a special 20 per cent off all full priced items, including Christmas decorations, with Luccio’s continuing its £12.50 meal deal during December.

Business opening hours will vary, so customers are advised to visit the Brewery Square website at www.brewerysquare.com.

To book a place at the virtual Santa’s grotto at Brewery Square on Saturday 19 December, please visit https://diverseabilities.org.uk/grotto.