Socially distanced Christmas fun planned for Peterborough garden centre

Dobbies Garden Centre, in Cygnet Park, Phorpres Way, Hampton, has unveiled a full programme for the festive season and says that despite the social distance measures, the theme will be ‘bringing communities together’.

Highlights of the festive calendar will be the arrival of Santa, breakfast or lunch with Santa, a Winter Wonderland scene, and Little Seedlings Christmas Stories sessions.

A spokesperson said: “The safety of customers and team members is Dobbies’ number one priority.

“To ensure customers feel safe and have an enjoyable experience, there will be reduced capacity at events to ensure social distancing is adhered to.

“This will be managed with online bookings for all events. Scheduled cleaning and rigorous hygiene routines will also be carried out between events, with attendees notified when required to wear a face covering.”

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive at Dobbies, said: “Our Christmas events programme has something for all ages as we have focused on bringing communities back together over the festive period.

“We will be following Government guidelines to ensure our events are safe and enjoyable for both customers and team members. We look forward to welcoming customers in all 68 stores for seasonal fun.”

Dobbies’ Christmas events schedule is available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance wherever possible.

The programme is:

From 1 November, Afternoon Tea, from £15

From 22 November, Santa’s arrival, free

From 22 November Santa’s Grotto, £11.99

From 22 November, Dobbies Christmas Party, £13.99 per child and from £5.99 for adults

From 28 November, Santa Paws, £6.99

From 28 November, Breakfast with Santa, £13.99 per child and from £6.99 for adults

From 3 December, Little Seedlings, £6 for one adult and one child