The first of six special Christmas weekends got underway in Sutton Coldfield Town Centre – when giant magical penguins waddled down the Parade.
The feathered friends – helped by their Elf keeper – spread festive fun as they charmed children and posed for pictures with shoppers.
The visit was the first of an extended series of Christmas activities which form part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield programme of year-round events, which aims to encourage more people to choose the town centre as a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax.
Bid Manager Michelle Baker said:
“The Penguins were very funny, and the children absolutely loved them.
“They were the perfect way to start off our Christmas plans for the town centre – and there’s lots more to come.
“Next up is our Christmas Farmers Market next Sunday, from 10am until 2pm, but watch out because the Grinch will be coming along too!”
In recent months events organised under the vibrant new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield brand – including a visit by a giant T Rex and a popular new Farmer’s Market – have seen thousands of extra people flood into the town centre.
The BID has also announced that it will be funding four ‘Guardians’ to patrol the town centre during the festive period, to watch out for anti-social behaviour and keep revellers safe and secure.
Up-to-date Listing Of Sutton Town Centre Christmas Events
- 27th Nov Christmas Farmers Market (45 stalls), the Grinch, free facepainting, Christmas crafts
- 3rd Dec Meet Santa, Roller Skating Christmas Presents and the animated elves
- 9th Dec Giant snow globe, the Grinch, amazing animatronic Polar Bear
- 10th Dec Giant snow globe, meet Santa and the Grinch, the Gingerbreads
- 11th Dec Giant snow globe, the Grinch
- 11th Dec Breakfast with Santa – Bottle of Sack (8:30am-10:30am)
- 17th Dec See Santa, meet the Grinch and the Gingerbreads
