Santa Express and Lantern procession steaming into Rugby this weekend

As well as the FREE train rides and lantern procession (Sat only) visitors can expect lots of Christmas cheer, including lantern making, children’s Christmas crafts, music, an independent market (Sun only), face painting, Father Christmas, Alfie – a real-life Elf and much, much more!  The event will take place on High Street, Sheep Street, Market Place and in St Andrew’s Church, between 12 noon and 6.45pm on the Saturday and 11am to 5pm on the Sunday.

The FREE Santa Express rides will run on both days and depart from the top of Sheep Street (with no booking required). Trips last around ten minutes and all children must be accompanied by an adult. As you step aboard the Santa Express and enjoy your magical journey keep an eye out for Father Christmas and Alfie the Elf – give them a wave and make sure you stop by and visit them later for a photograph and to wish them a Happy Christmas.

One of the highlights on Saturday 13 December will be the dazzling lantern procession which will be led by a dancing Chinese dragon and a colourful samba band. The parade will leave St Andrew’s Church at 5.30pm, taking a short circular route around the town centre, before returning to the church for hot chocolate and some traditional Christmas carols.

Everyone is welcome to join the procession – just make sure you are there for 5.15pm latest and wear something warm. Torches, LEDS and lights are welcome but no naked flames please.

For the procession you are welcome to make and bring your own lanterns or alternatively why not make a lantern on the day (at St. Andrew’s Church), with all materials being provided free of charge. The lanterns themselves are hand-held and made from environmentally friendly materials. If you want to make a lantern in advance of the event there are FREE lantern making kits (limited availability) available from Rugby First, along with an online video that show you how to make the lanterns.

On Sunday 14 December it will be full steam ahead for Rugby’s first Christmas independent market, taking place in Market Place. The stalls will offer a range of Christmas gifts and festive treats! While wandering around the market enjoy the music and family entertainment, and of course no Christmas event is complete without meeting Father Christmas.

Linda Lowne, Rugby First Business Director, said: “This promises to be a really lovely event with the Santa Express, lantern procession, music and independent market. The lantern procession is really magical, and we would like as many families, individuals, businesses, communities or groups to join the procession, as well as support the independent market. The event is also a great opportunity for the whole community to come together and celebrate Christmas, as well as support their town centre by shopping locally. A special thank you as always to Rugby Borough Council, St Andrew’s Church, the Warwickshire Chinese Association and the Indian Community Association for their support of the event.”