Later this week, Santa, singers and some special guests will be aboard a Bath Bus Company double-decker bus, visiting streets in Bath and Keynsham.
The Singing Bus last year | Photo courtesy of Age UK Bath & North East Somerset
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset’s Christmas Singing Bus will be operating on Friday 16th and Sunday 18th December in locations where loneliness and isolation rates are at some of their highest.
The charity is encouraging residents to wave, cheer and sing along with family, friends and neighbours as the bus takes to the streets to spread some much-needed Christmas cheer.
Simon Allen, CEO said: “People are telling us that the winter months make people feel increasingly lonely and isolated and this coupled with the added pressure of the cost of living, means it’s a tough winter for everyone.
‘It might surprise you, but there are pockets of loneliness and isolation in Bath and Keynsham which is amongst the worst in the country, so we are including some of these on the trip.
“We of course wish we could bring the bus to every street but if it visits you please come and join in the fun!”
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset supports thousands of people each year but has noticed a sharp rise in calls by people who are worried about the cost of living.
The charity’s Information & Advice Team has been inundated with applications for support with benefit claims.
As well as this, they are seeing a demand in requests for befrienders, which suggests increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.
One special guest, who will be on the bus in Bath is The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Rob Appleyard.
The Mayor said: “I think this kind of fun is just what we need and reminds us how important community spirit is this Christmas. I look forward to giving you all a wave next Friday!”
The Age UK B&NES Christmas Singing Bus will be taking a slow route from the centre of Bath from 4pm on Friday 16th December through parts of Bear Flat, Odd Down, Englishcombe Lane, Southdown, Whiteway, Twerton, Oldfield Park and (Upper parts of) Lower Bristol Road. There will be a few stops on the way.
The bus will be in Keynsham from 5.30pm on Sunday 18th December through many areas in the centre and outskirts, as well as The Chocolate Quarter.
For the route and timings, visit this page.
