Despite near freezing temperatures, Banstead Rotary Club pulled out all the stops to welcome Santa to Banstead High Street on Thursday 30 November, to switch on the Christmas lights.

Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the start of the festive season and the high street was crammed with children and adults, enjoying street food and listening to the music.

Several shops set up stalls outside their premises and red balloons were handed to excited children to mark the occasion.

David Martin, one of the Rotarians who was instrumental in running the event, said: “Unfortunately, the Banstead Business Guild closed down earlier this year making the Christmas Celebrations in Banstead High Street unlikely to take place this year. However, at short notice, Banstead Village Residents Association stepped in to save the day.  They went about raising the necessary monies and organised the event, which was bigger and better than previous years.” 

The Banstead Rotary Santa Sleigh has been touring for over 60 years and will continue collecting in local streets around the area up until Christmas.

Jane Illingworth, President of Banstead Rotary, added: “We are working hard this Christmas. Banstead Rotary’s Santa Sleigh tours the area to bring Christmas cheer and to accept the donations from Banstead residents. Last year thanks to their generosity we collected £12,000 for local charities.” 

To see when Santa is coming to your road visit the Banstead Rotary website - https://www.bansteadrotary.com/