ALL ABOARD the Santa Express – a novelty train ride will take centre stage in Rugby town centre for a day of festive fun on Saturday (December 14).
Free rides on the Santa Express will run between 12.30pm and 4pm, departing from the top of High Street and Sheep Street, near Lawrence Sheriff Street.
From noon onwards, the town centre will also host lantern making, music, storytelling, stalls, face painting, Father Christmas, circus skills, Alfie the Elf and more.
Christmas songs and carols will be sung from a small performance area at the junction of High Street and Sheep Street.
The day will culminate in a lantern procession led by a colourful samba band. The parade will leave St Andrew’s Church at 5.30pm, taking a short circular route around the town centre, before returning to the church for hot chocolate, mulled wine and some traditional Christmas carols.
Participants are welcome to make and bring their own lanterns, or join one of the free drop-in lantern making sessions taking place in St Andrew’s Church or the Winter Wonderland attraction in the old Woolworth’s building at the top of High Street. Arrive at the church for 5.15pm to take part. Torches, LEDs and lights are welcome, but not naked flames.
The event is being delivered by Rugby First in partnership with Rugby Borough Council.
Rugby First Business Director Linda Lowne said: “The Christmas fun and lantern procession promises to be a great event, with something for everyone. We would love as many people – individuals, businesses or groups such as Brownies, Beavers, Rainbows, schools to join the procession as well as make lanterns prior to or on the day of the event.
“I am really excited about the event, and I would encourage everyone to come into the town centre to enjoy the celebrations and share some Christmas cheer, ride the Santa Express, sing along to some Christmas tunes, while at the same time supporting the town centre businesses.”
Visit www.rugbyfirst.org or email [email protected] for more information or to get hold of a free lantern making kit.
