Santa Claus is coming to town

Shoab Akthar ahead of Saturday’s reindeer parade

SANTA Claus is coming to Oldham and he’s bringing Rudolph along for the ride.

Shoppers can enjoy a real reindeer parade through the town centre tomorrow as Father Christmas arrives to take up residency in his grotto.

This year’s parade will feature Christmas characters, the cast of the Coliseum Theatre’s pantomime “Jack and The Beanstalk” and the Reindeer Rocks Youth band.

The fun starts at 11am when giant elves, crazy crackers and a roaming robin will all be spreading Christmas cheer on High Street.

The parade then sets off from Clegg Street at 12.45pm. The reindeer will trot along High Street, Lord Street, Albion Street and Henshaw Street before arriving outside the Town Square shopping centre around 30 minutes later.

Oldham town centre mascots Ollie and Millie will also be making their first public appearance.

Children can bring their letters for Santa to give to his elves next to the reindeer pen outside the Market Hall. There will be brass bands and seasonal street theatre on the High Street until 3pm. Christmas characters will also be handing out free hats, balloons and sweets.

After the parade, Santa will declare his fairytale grotto in the Spindles officially open and children can pay a visit to share their Christmas wish lists.

There is free children’s reindeer puppetry, face-painting and balloon modelling in the Market Hall from 11am to 3pm.

Shoppers can take advantage of three hours free car parking on Saturdays and Sundays in all council car parks and the Spindles and Town Square car parks cost £1 for three hours.
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