We’ll never know how he always manages to be in so many places at the same time, but Santa – with the magic of Christmas and plenty of help from his Elves – will be opening his grotto in The Brunel Shopping Centre on Saturday 9 November 2019.
Santa’s grotto will be situated on the first floor of The Brunel Plaza between Marks & Spencer and Boots. There’s no charge to see him and every child will receive an aged appropriate free gift. Initially open just at weekends the grotto opening hours gradually increase in the run up to Christmas Eve. For exact opening times see www.thebrunel.co.uk . As Christmas gets closer the grotto queues can be quite long at times so instead you can pre-book your visit, www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/brunel
For those who have a longer list for Santa, and want to spend even more time with him, then our Breakfast with Santa Saturdays might do the job. Held at several of the cafes in the centre and in The Crossing, tickets cost £4 per child (must be pre-booked) and include food and a present. On November 30 Santa will be at Boswells Café, 7 December at McTaffs, 14 December in Marks & Spencer Café, and December 21 at Jungle Mania. Booking is essential. Tickets are on sale from 1 November 2019 can be obtained from the retailer hosting the breakfast.
So, once the lists are in with the big man it’s time to turn attention to the presents from you. The good news is that if you’re not a fan of wrapping Christmas presents yourself then The Brunel has the solution – and you can help raise money for Swindon’s local hospice too. Jane Stewart – Centre Manager explains: “Prospect Hospice’s Gift Wrap stall has become a tradition at The Brunel and we’re delighted to say it’s returning again. Now in its sixth year, and having raised more than £20,000 for the hospice so far, the stall returns to the centre from 30 November.
“Shoppers can have their purchases gift wrapped in return for a minimum donation of £2.50 per gift. The wrapping station will be situated outside Timpsons in The Brunel Plaza (Havelock Square entrance). The station is always really well supported and the presents are beautifully wrapped. We’re looking forward to seeing how much can be raised this year to add to this fantastic total.”
The gift-wrap station is staffed by Prospect Hospice volunteers and is, this year, sponsored by SoftOptions Water Softeners. Initially the gift wrap station opens at weekends (30 Nov/1 Dec, 7/8 December) but from 14 December it will also open during the week. Full details of the opening times are available on The Brunel’s website, www.thebrunel.co.uk.
Many of the shops in The Brunel Shopping Centre stay open until 7pm. Check individual opening times with each store. And don’t forget parking is free on Sundays in the town centre so why not shop local in the lead up to this Christmas.
All activities and events are promoted on The Brunel’s Facebook and Twitter feed and detailed information can be found on the centre’s website: www.thebrunel.co.uk.
