There are all kinds of Christmas experiences and grottos to visit across Greater Manchester, but they can be expensive.
If you have one or more children to take along to meet Santa, things can soon add up.
That's why news of a free grotto arriving later this month is music to the ears of parents, many of whom are struggling to pay for food and bills amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
READ MORE: Shoppers 'desperate' to get their hands on £5.99 Christmas buy at The Range and Wilko
It's the first time a grotto has appeared at The Rock in Bury since the pandemic. A previous one from 2019, pictured below, was a huge success and bosses say they're delighted to bring the experience back.
Promising 'a high quality, classic grotto with outstanding staff', admission is free and includes a chocolate lolly for each child. Families will also be able to take their own photos so there is no additional charge.
Visitors will step into 'a cosy woodland theme wonderland' for their visit to Santa. The focal point of the grotto will be 'a magical archway' of lights, garlands, baubles and branches to create a standout backdrop for the photo with the big man.
The town's Christmas celebrations begin this Saturday, November 9, with the lights switch-on between 3pm and 5pm.
Then on Thursday, November 14, the Festive Lantern Parade - from Bury BID and The Met - takes place at 5pm. This year’s theme, 'Flight', will light up the town with 'a dazzling procession' of lanterns, music, and festive cheer.
The parade starts at The Met and makes its way up The Old Rock to The Rock Shopping Centre, pausing at St John's Square before returning via Mill Gate Shopping Centre, and ending with a fire sculpture display in Kay Gardens.
On Saturday, November 30 the grotto will open and will then be open on selected dates in the run up to Christmas (details below).
Arnold Wilcox-Wood, centre director of The Rock, said: “Here at The Rock we are firm believers that every child should be able see Santa and that’s why once again our grotto will be free to enter. This year’s grotto is a brand-new design, and we think our visitors will be absolutely blown away by it – it’ll be sure to get them in the Christmas spirit.”
The grotto will be located in St John’s Square, alongside the centre’s Christmas food fair. The famous Rock Express land train will also return this Christmas. Visitors can enjoy a festive journey in the town from Saturday, December 14.
Santa’s grotto will be fully accessible and will be manned by two elves. Quiet hour will run on Fridays from 11am-12pm. Santa will take a break daily at 1pm for 30 mins. There will be no admission to the grotto during this time.
Full opening times:
- Saturday 30th November 10am – 4pm
- Sunday 1st December 12pm – 4pm
- Friday 6th December 11am – 4pm (Quiet hour 11am-12pm)
- Saturday 7th December 10am – 4pm
- Sunday 8th December 12pm – 4pm
- Friday 13th December 11am – 4pm (Quiet hour 11am-12pm)
- Saturday 14th December 10am – 4pm
- Sunday 15th December 12pm – 4pm
- Monday 16th December 11am – 4pm
- Tuesday 17th December 11am – 4pm
- Wednesday 18th December 11am – 4pm
- Thursday 19th December 11am – 4pm
- Friday 20th December 11am – 4pm (Quiet hour 11am-12pm)
- Saturday 21st December 10am – 4pm
- Sunday 22nd December 12pm – 4pm
- Monday 23rd December 11am – 4pm
- Christmas Eve: 11am – 2pm
For more details, visit The Rock’s website or keep an eye on their social media pages.
