THE SANTA Bus is back – with a few major changes.
From tomorrow, the beloved bus will be touring the streets of Brighton and Hove for 19 nights after a one-year hiatus due to Covid-19.
However, the way Santa and his helpers collect charitable donations is changing.
- READ MORE: Call to tackle workplace bullying and harassment as professor resigns amid transphobia row
For the first time in 17 years, the Santa Bus workers will no longer be knocking on your front door.
The public are still encouraged to go outside and wave to Father Christmas, but donations must be made through GoFundMe, delivered to one of the 40 Santa Bus collection points or put in one of the helpers' buckets.
The Argus is the official media partner for the Santa Bus.
The Santa Bus tour of the city will begin on Friday in the Goldstone and Downs Park area and will finish on Tuesday, December 21, in Moulsecoomb.
Each night, the bus aims to begin its journey between 5.30pm and 5.45pm, depending on traffic.
Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Martin Harris said a total of 12 charities are set to benefit from the donations made this year.
“It’s a welcome return for the Santa Bus this year and I hope it brings some much-needed Christmas light and cheer to everyone in the city,” he said.
“Most importantly, it raises money for some of the hard-working community groups that have been a lifeline for people over the past 18 months.
“Preparing for Santa Bus season is always exciting and brings together colleagues from every department, decorating and driving the bus and dressing up as elves. We owe a huge thank you to our customers and local communities.
“The Santa Bus is only possible with their help, even more so this year as businesses and organisations take part by becoming collection points.”
The 12 charities that will benefit from the donations are Albion In The Community, BHT Sussex, Brighton Sussex University Hospitals Charity, Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice, East Sussex Credit Union Foundation, Impact Initiatives, Martlets Hospice, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Racial Harassment Forum, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Switchboard and Together Co.
As in previous years, there will be an onboard Santa tracker so the public can keep up to date on his location.
Here is a breakdown of where the Santa Bus will be and when:
Friday, November 26 - Goldstone/Downs Park
Monday, November 29 - Saltdean
Tuesday, November 30- Stanford
Wednesday, December 1 - Hollingdean
Thursday, December 2- Bevendean
Friday, December 3 - Southwick
Saturday, December 4 - Wish/Portland/Boundary
Monday, December 6 - Hangleton
Tuesday, December 7 - East Saltdean
Wednesday, December 8 - Patcham
Thursday, December 9 - West Blatchington/ Knoll
Friday, December 10 - Woodingdean A
Monday, December 13 - Woodingdean B
Tuesday, December 14 - Queen's Park/ Freshfield/ Whitehawk
Wednesday, December 15 - Hollingbury
Thursday, December 16 - Peacehaven
Friday, December 17 - Coldean/ Meadowview/ Hartington Road
Saturday, December 18 - Mile Oak
Tuesday, December 21 – Moulsecoomb
A full breakdown of locations and dates, as well as information on how to donate, can be found on www.buses.co.uk/santabus.
Leaflets will also be posted through letterboxes with information and route details.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel