Get ready, Southport! The Southport Hesketh Round Table is about to make the town merry and bright as Santa’s routes start in just a few days.
This much-loved tradition, organised by the charity behind iconic local events like the Southport Bonfire Night, BBC1 Children In Need’s Pudsey in Schools, and the Mad Dog 10K, promises festive fun while raising vital funds for local charities and community projects.
The Santa Float is built, the routes are set, and you can find all the details on their Facebook page here.
Marc Foreman, from Southport Hesketh Round Table, said:
“We kick off on Monday 2nd December 2024 in Ainsdale / Woodvale and make our way through the town, finishing on 19th December at Hesketh Bank.
“It’s always a magical experience for everyone involved.”
Marc continued with heartfelt thanks:
“Huge thanks to Chris and Sue Shaw — our amazing reindeer — for towing the float every night with their fantastic festive truck, as well as Massams for the beautiful Christmas tree, Formby Electrical for the batteries, and Barlows for the use of the trailer. We couldn’t do it without this wonderful community support.”
The Round Table’s mission is simple but powerful: to “Do More” for the local community.
This year alone, they’ve raised thousands of pounds for local causes and even set up a GoFundMe earlier in the summer to support families affected by the tragic events in July.
Santa’s Route Schedule
Each night, the Santa Float will set off at 6:30 pm, visiting neighbourhoods to spread holiday cheer. Here’s where you can catch him:
Week 1:
- Dec 2: Woodvale/Ainsdale
- Dec 3: Birkdale
- Dec 4: Lineker Street
- Dec 5: Grange Road
- Dec 6: Kew Estate
- Dec 7: Special Route in Burscough
Week 2:
- Dec 9: High Park
- Dec 10: Churchtown 1 (Bibby Rd)
- Dec 11: Meols Cop
- Dec 12: Churchtown 2 (Radnor Drive)
- Dec 13: Crossens
Week 3:
- Dec 16: Marshside 1 (Churchtown traffic lights near Mr. Chips)
- Dec 17: Marshside 2 (near the Marsh Harrier pub)
- Dec 18: Banks
- Dec 19: Hesketh Bank
A Season of Giving
“Our Santa Float isn’t just about holiday magic,” Marc added. “Each night, we’re joined by local charities and community groups who help shake donation buckets and spread the word. These incredible partnerships not only bring the spirit of Christmas to life but also raise vital funds for their important causes. This year, we’re thrilled to have groups like YCP, Funky Monkeys, and the 19th Cub Scouts (raising funds for their new scout hut) joining us.”
Calling Local Businesses and Volunteers
For the second year, local businesses have the chance to sponsor Santa’s route for a night. This provides additional funds for the sweets that are handed out to the children every night. Sponsors receive a personal “shout-out from Santa,” making it a fun and festive way to support the cause. Interested businesses can reach out via the Facebook page.
Stop The Press:
To start the festivities off, the float will be joining in on the Southport Christmas Parade this Sunday (1st December 2024), so watch out for Santa and his festive dancing moves!
Want to join the fun? Whether you’d like to volunteer, assist with future events, or even join the Southport Hesketh Round Table, they’d love to hear from you! Contact them via shrt@hotmail.co.uk or through their Facebook page, Southport Hesketh Round Table 1199.
Let’s come together to make this season the most magical yet while supporting those who need it most. See you on Santa’s route!
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
