Santa is coming to town - with a real-life reindeer!

Father Christmas

Santa is bringing a real-life Reindeer to meet good girls and boys in Rochdale.

The reindeer is very excited about meeting children and will be waiting in his pen on The Butts on Sunday 7 December, before taking part in a day-long event.

A festive, action-packed event is planned in the town centre, which will include Christmas-themed street entertainers, the Rochdale Hornets, Littleborough Brass Band playing Christmas favourites and excited children from Shawclough Primary School.

There will be part of a grand parade making their way from the top of Yorkshire Street at 12pm.

The reindeer will also be happy to meet and greet people from their pen on The Butts before the parade at 10.30am and again at 1.00pm.

Shawclough Primary School children will be treating the crowds to some festive songs too.

The shops in the town centre will also be open for Christmas Shopping and Santa’s grotto will be open in the Rochdale Exchange.

Debbie O’Brien, Town Centre Manager, said "This year sees the return of the popular reindeer parade and is just what Rochdale people need to really get us in the festive spirit. As always it’s important to come and have fun and to support your local town centre, so why not pick up a few of those key presents and pop along and pat the reindeer too."

Irene Davidson, Deputy Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said “We’re glad to be supporting this event – it’s another great opportunity for you to shop local and save this Christmas and to get into the festive mood.”

On Saturday 6 December, there will also be a free reindeer fun event in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre and the Markets. You can go along and make reindeer antlers to wear at the reindeer parade the following day and Magic Reindeer food to guide Father Christmas and his reindeer to your house.

A Christmas brochure with details of all the Christmas events in Rochdale Town Centre is available to download or you can request a hard copy at www.rochdaletowncentre.co.uk.