Shoppers will be greeted by a colourful balloon-modelling elf and a cheeky reindeer stilt-walker as they hunt down gifts for Santa’s stocking in South Kesteven towns during the next couple of weeks.
The festive treat has come about thanks to a cash injection from the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely/Welcome Back Fund.
South Kesteven District Council will be using some of the funding to create a little more wonder around the spirit of Christmas – while helping underpin the recovery of town centres.
In the weeks prior to Christmas a variety of street performers will entertain shoppers in high streets and marketplaces.
A ‘Bubble Elf’, a stilt-walking balloon modeller, the reindeer stilt walker and ‘Circus Elf’ will all add a touch of glitter to the Christmas magic the town centres already provide at this time of year, which was kicked off with the glow of a thousand festive lights and several seasonal markets around the district.
Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, said: “As we countdown to Christmas Day, we are welcoming these street performers to our towns to entertain shoppers. We invite people back to our bustling high streets and vibrant town centres to do their Christmas shopping and to enjoy the festivities.
“We are delighted to have secured this funding so we can support families by providing free entertainment over the school holidays and help support our local businesses. We know these events will be really popular, so we ask everyone to continue to stay safe and socially distance.”
The first phase of the town centres marketing and promotional push will be delivered over the festive period and includes a variety of street entertainers visiting the four towns of Bourne, Grantham, Market Deeping and Stamford. It will be paid for by part of the £252,909 Government award.
It supports SKDC’s ambitions to protect and create jobs within the district and develop the town centres and high streets of the four towns, as well as build on, and celebrate, the rich heritage and culture of the district.
Here is the full list of events including dates and times:
| Date | Times | Location | Performer |
| Thu 16th Dec | 10am-1pm | Bourne | Bubble Elf |
| Fri 17th Dec | 10am-1pm | Grantham | Reindeer Stilt Walker |
| Mon 20th Dec | 10am-1pm | Stamford | Stilt Walking Balloon Modelling Elf |
| Tue 21st Dec | 10am-1pm | Stamford | Reindeer Stilt Walker |
| Wed 22nd Dec | 10am-1pm | Stamford | Stilt Walking Bubble Elf |
| Wed 22nd Dec | 10am-1pm | Deeping | Festive walkabout entertainer |
| Fri 24th Dec | 10am-1pm | Grantham | Bubble Elf |
| Fri 24th Dec | 10am-1pm | Stamford | Circus Elf |
