SANTA will be spotted in Woodley this Sunday, along with MPs, mischievous grannies and comedy jugglers as the annual Christmas Extravaganza returns to the town centre.
And Woodley Town Centre manager Brian Fennelley says it will be one of the biggest in years.
The event takes over the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct from 10am to 3pm, and sees thousands of people flock to enjoy some festive fun.
There are more than 70 stalls to browse, run by community groups, charities and craftspeople. A stage will see entertainment from Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school, Vibez Dance Studio, and Rock Choir.
There will be street entertainment from Circus Scene, the barrel organ and some mischievous grannies.
And a grotto will be installed outside Nat West Bank, allowing good boys and girls the chance to bend the ear of that mysterious man from the North Pole.
The event will be opened at 11am with speeches from Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith, Woodley town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel, Reading East MP Matt Rodda, and Maidenhead MP Theresa May.
Mr Fennelly is counting down the days, not to when he can hang his stocking on the wall, but to Sunday, and the festive celebrations.
“It is the best day of the year, and our flagship event,” he said. “We always look forward to it. Planning started in April, and it’s building up to be a really big event.
“We have 70 stalls this year, more than we’ve had even before covid, so it’s a record year.”
He said that the stalls will present people an opportunity to get some unique gifts, while supporting local businesses, groups and charities.
“We’ve got a whole range of new stalls, a great range of entertainment on the Centre Stage, and loads of activity around the town centre throughout the day,” he continued.
“Look out for the crazy grannies causing mayhem … we always like to do something a little bit quirky.”
One change this year is the ending of the reindeer-led procession. Mr Fennelly said it was out of concern for animal welfare.
“We’ve been listening to feedback from customers and the general view of using live animals. People are really starting to question that now, and we’re thinking it’s feeling a bit dated. We don’t want to do it anymore,” he explained, adding that the parade hadn’t been held over the past couple of years due to covid.
“We haven’t really had any adverse comments about it at all.
“So, no live reindeers, but Santa is still here, it’s going to be a really fun-packing day, with activities on the stage from some great local acts, that will give younger people their first opportunity to really perform in public. They’re really excited about the day.
“Please come along and have a great day.”
For more details, log on to: http://www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk/
