A visit from Santa to The Hub at Mulberry Park in Bath to spread some cheer saw more than 370 Curo residents enjoy a festive family fun day.
Curo residents Katie and Ariya Eames meeting Santa | Photo © Curo
Elves had set up a grotto at the event on Saturday 17th December, with twinkling lights and a throne, where Santa read a story, Oliver, The Littlest Elf, to the children.
Curo customer Katie Eames, who lives in Foxhill, was at the event with her daughter Ariya, aged four, and son Ethan, aged nine months.
She said: “It’s lovely that Curo put on this event. I kept it a secret from Ariya until this morning. When she found out we were seeing Santa she was so excited, she ran all the way here!”
“My favourite bit was seeing Santa,” said Ariya. “He was funny.”
Curo staff volunteered as Santa’s elves | Photo © Curo
At The Hub’s entrance, a snow machine greeted guests with yuletide cheer, while craft stalls from local makers meant families could grab some last-minute gifts.
Children were able to enjoy some Christmas crafts, including decorating wreaths and colouring in cards. There was also festive face-painting and donkey rides in the snow-covered play area outside.
A Christmas raffle raised £244 for Bath City Farm, Curo’s Charity of the Year.
Michelle Sage, Curo’s Resident Engagement Co-ordinator, said: “The Christmas Magic event was a lovely opportunity to bring joy to our younger residents and their families at the end of what has been a hard year for a lot of people.
“Our team of elves was made up of Curo colleagues volunteering their time. They all loved putting smiles on the children’s faces.
“The feedback from parents was really positive, with many saying how amazing it is that Curo put on events like this.”
Santa said: “I loved meeting all the boys and girls at The Hub and had a wonderful time bringing joy to residents this festive season.”
Bath rugby player Charlie Ewels switched on the Christmas lights | Photo © Curo
The event closed with the switching-on of Mulberry Park’s Christmas lights, with special guest star Charlie Ewels from the Bath Rugby team.
Guests were invited to watch the display from the Curo Sales Suite, with Santa’s elves providing festive treats and mulled wine for adults, as well as non-alcoholic drinks for children.
Curo is also making a charitable donation on Charlie’s behalf to the Bath Rugby Foundation, which works to empower vulnerable children and young people in Bath and the surrounding area to succeed.
Jodie Winter, Curo Sales Manager, said: “The Christmas light switch-on was a wonderful finale to such a magical day; it was a special chance for the Mulberry Park neighbourhood to come together and share the holiday goodwill.”
