Children enjoy a visit to Father Christmas at scaled-back St Nicholas' Night celebrations in Alcester
MORE than 120 children enjoyed a visit to Santa on St Nicholas’ Night in Alcester thanks to Alcester and Bidford Rotary.
For three hours, families streamed into Church House, Butter Street, to see the big man who was supported by an army of elves who dished out seasonal refreshments, mince pies and worked the tombola.
Event treasurer, Carol McCormick, said it was a successful night which raised £352 for charity.
She said: “The children had a ball and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and we had people queuing non-stop down the street all evening. We provided Father Christmas for the community and Alcester, as always, in the spirit of Christmas, turned out to support us.”
Next door, at St Nicholas’ Church, families were invited to learn about Saint Nicholas of Myra, an early Christian bishop of Greek descent who carried out good deeds. There were also craft activities and refreshments while the Christmas tree lights were switched on at 6pm.
Traditionally the annual St Nicholas’ Night celebrations have been larger with a street market, music from schools and a firework display. This year, however, it was a smaller affair as too few people volunteered.
The Herald understands that there are hopes to resurrect the larger event next year.
This year’s event did, however, finish with the sound of jingling bells in High Street. Not from Father Christmas, but a display of Morris dancing from the White Hart Morris men.
