With Poole’s annual Santa Parade taking place on Sunday, December 2, Christmas has officially begun in Poole Town Centre.
Santa sailed in to Poole Quay courtesy of City Cruises, and was joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Poole, Councillor Sean Gabriel, Dick Whittington pantomime stars, The Dolphin Marching Band, Shining Bright Like A Star performers, and children from the Old Town Infant School and Nursery.
Over 1,000 parents and children took part in the Santa Parade, leading from Poole’s Town Quay to Falkland Square, outside Dolphin Shopping Centre.
Justin Hundley-Appleton, Poole BID manager, commented: “It was great to see so many people taking part in this year’s parade, despite the chilly weather. We hope that it has helped to kick-start the festive feeling, as well as showcase what Poole High Street has to offer.
“We hope that people will be able to come out and enjoy our pop-up cinema during the rest of the month while doing their late-night shopping and try out some of our varied local restaurants.”
Free and family-friendly events continue on Thursdays in the lead up to Christmas, with Poole BID providing a big screen outside in the Sainsbury’s plaza. Accompanied by a cosy seating area, refreshments will be available to purchase during late night shopping movie evenings.
Showings are as follows:
- The Muppet Christmas Carol, Thursday, December 6, 5.30pm
- The Polar Express, Thursday, December 6, 7.30pm
- Nativity!, Thursday, December 13, 5.30pm
- Santa Claus: The Movie, Thursday, December 13, 7.30pm
- The Polar Express, Thursday, December 20, 5.30pm
- Happy Feet, Thursday, December 20, 7.30pm
Poole’s Christmas activity is funded and organised by Poole BID and its levy-paying high street businesses. Visit www.poolebid.com or follow Poole BID on social media for more information.
