Silcock Leisure Group invites families to turn Southport red and join the 2024 Santa Sprint for Queenscourt

NO 1 loves Christmas more than Silcock Leisure Group in Southport. The family run firm is delighted to once again be sponsoring this year's Southport Santa Sprint, which will be raising funds for Queenscourt Hospice.

This will be the 13th consecutive year that:- Silcock Leisure Group has agreed to sponsor the:- 2024 Santa Sprint, which this year takes place on:- Sunday, 1 December 2024.

Southport will once again be a sea of Santas as hundreds of fundraisers wearing red Santa suits gather at:- Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant on the Promenade before setting off on either a:- 3k or a 5k route around the:- Marine Lake and Southport coastline.

You can sign up here:- Queenscourt.Org.UK.

The run starts and ends at Silcock's Funland.

Silcock Leisure Group will once again be offering free tea or free coffee to everyone taking part.

They will also be providing free rides for fundraisers on the historic Silcock's Carousel.

Silcock's has once again donated £1,000 to support the work of Queenscourt Hospice as part of their sponsorship.

For the 1st time this year, Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant is offering Breakfast With Santa experiences on:- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during December which people can book through their website.

A festive scene of the famous Silcock's Carousel, which was built during the Victorian era, has been chosen to feature among the images on Queenscourt Hospice's official Christmas cards for 2024.

Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said:- "Christmas is 1 of our favourite times of year! It's a magnificent sight with hundreds of Santas all meeting at Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant, riding around the Carousel, and running or walking through Southport to raise money for such a superb local charity. Our business and our family have been big supporters of Queenscourt Hospice for many years and are very grateful for the incredible work they do. These are challenging times for charities across the country, and we want to do all we can to support Queenscourt, a charity which makes a huge difference to the lives of so many families in our local community. The Southport Santa Sprint really does bring people together. There are big groups; whole families; people on their own; lots of dog walkers; and it's also great to see the paddle boarders from SUP North getting involved too. We have always enjoyed Christmas at Silcock's. Our team love getting into the festive spirit, wearing Christmas costumes, while our Prize Shop inside Funland is packed full with fabulous Christmas prizes that people can win. This year, due to so many people asking us, we are also starting to organise our special Breakfast With Santa mornings at Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant. We have had an excellent response already and we can't wait to welcome families this December."

There is still time to sign up for the 2024 Southport Santa Sprint.

Whether you prefer to run, walk, or jog; it's all about spreading seasonal joy!

Registration costs:- £20 for adults, £10 for under 16s, and £50 for a family of 4, with every penny supporting the vital work of Queenscourt Hospice. Your Santa Sprint registration covers the cost of the event and your Santa suit.

People are also invited to raise funds via sponsorship.

All participants receive:-

• Complimentary Tea or Coffee at Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant, The Promenade, Southport.
  

• Complimentary Coffee & Cake at The Grand, Lord Street, Southport.

The event, which celebrates its 15th Anniversary sees Southport's coastline become a:- 'Sea of Santas,' and has raised over £115,000 since its inception and is a full family affair; even your pet dog can take part!

Once again there will be both a 3K and 5K route for you to walk, jog or run. The route, which starts and finishes, at:- Silcock's Funland, is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies.

This is a sponsored event and participants are kindly requested to have a minimum sponsorship of:- £30 for adults, £15 for under 16's.

If you are able to help to marshal at this event, please email:- FundRaising@Queenscourt.Org.UK, or call:- 01704517420.

Christmas is Coming to Croxteth Hall

THIS December, Croxteth Hall and Country Park will be buzzing with festive activities with events for the whole family; including:- those with 4 legs! Whether creating cherished memories with the little ones or celebrating with the dog, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Well being, and Culture, said:- "We have such a fantastic programme of events at Croxteth Hall and Country Park this Christmas. Croxteth Park is a beautiful and expansive green space, and it's the perfect place for the community to come together and enjoy the magic of the season. With its stunning grounds and historic charm, Croxteth Hall provides the ideal backdrop for our festive events. From Story Time with Santa, to our festive markets and pet friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're so excited to offer these events that bring families together and showcase the very best of what Croxteth Hall and Country Park has to offer."

Story Time With Santa, from:- 30 November, until:- 24 December 2024.

Story Time With Santa offers families a truly special experience in the heart of Croxteth Hall. Children are invited to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas, as Father Christmas and his trusty companion, Buddy the Elf, share enchanting stories and festive songs.

It's a unique opportunity to meet Father Christmas as each child will have the chance to share their Christmas wishes with him personally. To make the experience even more memorable, every child will receive their own book to take home.

With only 30 children in each session, the event is designed to provide a magical atmosphere. Storytime with Santa captures the essence of Christmas in a historic and picturesque location.

For prices and to book online please visit the Ticket Quarter Website.

Santa Paws:- 7 December, 14 December, 15 December, 21 December, and 22 December 2024.

For the 1st time, Croxteth Hall will welcome Santa Paws, giving pet owners a chance to include:- their good boys and girls in the festive celebrations!

Families can bring their pets to visit Santa Paws in his specially designed grotto. Well behaved pets will receive a gift and a treat, along with an opportunity to pose for a festive photo. Owners are encouraged to bring their pets dressed in their best winter coats, festive collars, or seasonal neckerchiefs.

For an extra dose of festive fun, Santa Paws will welcome some special guests on:- Saturday, 7 December 2024. Joining him will be the incredible West Lancs Dog Trust, whose highly trained dog display team is set to dazzle audiences with an action packed performance. Families can enjoy the excitement as these talented dogs showcase their impressive skills and tricks, adding to the day's paw some entertainment.

Santa Paws will be in his grotto from:- 11 am; 4 pm with slots available every 15 minutes. Booking is recommended. Owners are encourage to keep their pets on a lead at all times.

The final Makers Market of the year will be held on the Sunday before Christmas, bringing together a vibrant community of independent artisans, bakers, crafters and performers from across the North West. Visitors can explore a wide variety of unique gifts, savour delicious local treats, and enjoy the creative, festive atmosphere.

It's the perfect opportunity to discover last minute holiday treasures and support local talent.

Makers Market will be open from:- 11 am to 4 pm, on:- Sunday, 22 December 2024, in Croxteth Hall Stable Yard.

Café 1575:- 7 December, 8 December, 14 December, 15 December, 21 December, and 22 December 2024,

Croxteth Hall's Café 1575 will be serving up festive favourites in December. Step into the cosy library bar area and treat yourself to a steaming mug of mulled wine, a rich hot chocolate, or a sweet seasonal snack; perfect for warming up after the market on a winter's day.

Adding to the festive cheer, the Pastoral Choir will perform on:- 22 December, at:- 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm, filling the Hall with the beautiful sounds of seasonal carols and traditional favourites. It's a delightful way to soak up the Christmas spirit while enjoying some tasty treats in the heart of this historic venue!

Angie Redhead, Divisional Manager City Assets, TIC's & Tourism said:- Angie Redhead, Divisional Manager City Assets, TIC's & Tourism, said:- "I'm thrilled to share details of Christmas at Croxteth Hall this year. Story Time with Santa is always a festive favourite with families, and as ever, is a magical experience for young and old alike, as Santa and his friend Buddy the Elf bring Christmas stories to life. And we haven't forgotten our 4 legged friends, with Santa Paws on hand to create an extra special canine Christmas experience ; we can't wait to see the photos taken in our special doggy grotto! Our festive events are all about bringing people together, sharing joyful moments and creating memories and we just can't wait to welcome everyone to share in the magic at Croxteth Hall."