Santa pays a visit to Langley Christmas Festival

Joy for all as Santa pays a visit to Langley Christmas Festival

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Langley was left glowing with festive cheer on Sunday as Santa Claus swept in for an afternoon of Christmas fun at Bowlee Sports Hall for the first ever Langley Christmas Festival.

Bowlee sports hall was transformed into a Christmas wonderland as locals were treated to a selection of free activities and entertainment which included a bouncy castle, a giant snowglobe, face-painting, fingernail-painting, a Santa’s grotto and live performances from an array of local artists who danced and sang the afternoon away.

Chief elf and organiser, Georgina Jacques said: “I wanted to bring Christmas to Langley.

“Not everyone can afford to take their kids to see Santa or visit the Christmas markets in Manchester, so a lot of kids end up missing out on that part of the Christmas experience.

“I organised Langley Christmas Festival so that everyone could enjoy the magic of Christmas without having to pay for it”.

Another elf said: “The festival is an embodiment of the Christmas spirit.

“It’s been allowed to happen purely through the goodwill of local volunteers and donations from local businesses, everything that is happening here today is free and that couldn’t have happened without the good people of our community pulling together to make it happen.”

Santa kicked off the afternoon in style at 12.30pm outside Burnside Community Centre, with Rudolph absent, he arrived on a horse-drawn sleigh and lead a merry parade of elves, angels and local children, as well as a not so mini Minion, from the community centre down to the sports hall.

The hundred-strong procession marched down Windermere Road to the sound of Christmas carols as people emerged from their houses looking amazed by the spectacle.

Upon arrival at the sports hall, families were met with complimentary refreshments which included coffee, tea and mince pies as well as juice and biscuits, before moving on to revel in the many delights the afternoon held in store for them.

As well as the free activities and entertainment, local businesses were also invited along to set up stalls selling Christmas gifts and decorations.