Santa to make flying visit to Ortons next week

Santa will be at the Orton Gate shopping centre on Monday, December 21 before going on a tour of the neighbourhood.

The visit was organised by Orton Waterville councillor Julie Howell, with the help of The Rotary Club of Peterborough,

Cllr Howell said; "We thought it would be nice to end the year with a special treat for families, something simple and covid-secure for people in our ward to enjoy.

"Parish Councillor Kirsty Knight suggested that we should ask Santa if he might be free to visit us on his sleigh. So, I contacted the Rotary Club of Peterborough Ortons who spoke to Whittlesey Round Table, who spoke to Santa himself.

"Santa has agreed to come and see us for a few hours on December 21. We’re all very excited. Even though we can’t get up close to Santa this year because of social-distancing, he will give a happy wave to anyone he sees as he and his elves make their way around Orton Waterville ward."

Santa will be at OrtonGate at 4.30pm before his tour of the ward, with expected arrivals at Goldhay way at 5pm, Dunblane Drive at 6pm, Loch Lomand Way at 6.30pm, Brimbles Way at 7pm, Wistow Way at 7.30pm and Cherry Orton Road at 8pm.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy the festivities in a coailly distanced way.

Cllr Howell is also urging residents across Peterborough to take part in a special Christmas Eve initiative to bring a smile to people's faces.

She said: "To give Santa an extra boost on his big night, we are joining forces with St Mary’s Church in Orton Waterville for a special Christmas Eve Doorbell Jingle.

"At 6pm on 24th December, we’re asking everyone to stand on their doorsteps and jingle their Christmas bells for two minutes to cheer Santa on his way.

"St Mary’s bells will also ring out at this time. The Christmas Jingle is happening all over the country, and we hope lots of people in Peterborough will join in."