Santa's Grotto to Raise Money for Air Ambulance NI
November 29, 2019
Santa Claus has arrived in Lisburn to take up residence in his beautiful Victorian themed Grotto at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum from Saturday 30th November to help raise money for the Mayoral Charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI).
The Santa’s Grotto will be open to the public from Monday to Friday 11.00am-4.00pm, Saturday 10.00am-4.30pm and on Christmas Eve from 9.30am-12.30pm, with a late night opening on Thursday 12th December from 11.00am-8.00pm. All children visiting Santa and Mrs Claus will receive a complimentary gift, courtesy of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
Santa and the Mayor welcome a minimum donation of £1 per child to the AANI charity.
There is also a special mailbox outside Santa’s Grotto until Monday 16th December, for children to post their letters to Santa that will be sent, every day to his workshop in Lapland, so his elves can prepare presents.
The Mayor, Councillor Alan Givan, speaking about Santa’s visit to the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, said: “It is great news that Santa is able to visit us in Lisburn and welcome everyone into his specially designed grotto when parents and carers can take their own photographs in this beautiful setting. Others know Christmas time for kindness, celebration and generosity; and I would hope everyone visiting Santa donates to my Mayoral Charity to mark the occasion. All contributions will go towards the delivery of critical Helicopter Emergency Services across Northern Ireland that can reach any location within 25 minutes.”
Established in 2017, and based in Lisburn, the AANI provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added: “Christmas is without doubt the most popular time of year for children as they start to write their letters to Santa once the Christmas lights are switched on, if not before! The council is delighted to host Santa’s Victorian Grotto to give children the opportunity to chat with him about their plans for Christmas; and I would like to thank everyone who visits, in advance for their donation to this worthwhile charity that provides urgent medical care to anyone who desperately needs it.”
Schools and other group bookings are welcomed but to avoid delays in seeing Santa, please ring the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum on Tel: 028 9266 3377 or email: ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk in advance.