Santa Claus arrives at Aberdeen Airport to launch his workshop in Bon Accord Aberdeen in aid of Charlie House!
If you happened to be at baggage reclaim in Aberdeen’s International Airport recently, you might have been checking (and checking twice) after spotting a passenger donned in a very familiar red and white outfit.
Making the long journey from the North Pole, the one and only Santa Claus returned to the Granite City today to launch his 2021 pop up workshop, which this year promises to be even more magical than the last.
Opening to the public on Saturday 13 November, Santa Claus will be inviting families to visit his wondrous workshop located within Aberdeen’s Bon Accord. The workshop will be open right up to Christmas Eve, and there are sure to be lots of fun surprises within the centre along the way.
Mark Beveridge, Operations Director at Aberdeen International Airport, was there to greet Santa on his arrival and said, “We are delighted we could help support this very special arrival who will play a big part in making some unforgettable memories for families in the North East. We are very well versed in receiving VIPS at Aberdeen International Airport and thrilled we could help Santa arrive safely and securely. We also know how busy the run-up to Christmas can be and thank Santa for spreading some festive joy at our terminal.”
After ensuring he’d picked up his hefty present sacks and luggage, Santa made his way over Bon Accord’s upper mall to begin setting up for the workshop’s grand opening.
Craig Stevenson, Centre Manager at Bon Accord said: “We are thrilled that Santa has once again chosen to take up residency within Bon Accord over the festive period. Our team is already working hard alongside his elves to ensure his stay with us is as comfortable as possible, and we can’t wait to see our younger visitors light up when they get the opportunity to meet him in person.
Castlehill Housing Association and Northcote are kindly sponsoring this year's workshop, and all profits will go to local children's charity Charlie House. Based in Aberdeen, Charlie House supports babies, children and young people in the North East of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. The charity provides vital support to their families, often at breaking point due to the lack of support available locally.
Louise Andrew, CEO of Charlie House, cannot wait for this exciting event to return to Aberdeen, "Christmas should be a time of joy for every child. Santa's workshop is very special to us as it allows us to spread joy within the local community while also helping raise funds to support essential care and support for children and young people across the region who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. We are so happy to welcome Santa back to host this fantastic event, and we want to thank Bon Accord and its visitors in advance for their tremendous support."
Tickets for Santa's Workshop go on sale on Monday the 1st November and will sell out fast, so visitors should book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £5.99 per child and include a visit to Santa's magical workshop, the opportunity to meet the Charlie House elves and reindeer, and a special gift from Santa himself.
Santa and his elves have been fully briefed on government guidelines, and Bon Accord will have a range of measures, including social distancing and hand sanitising, to ensure a safe and fun experience.
