Shrewsbury’s new mayor officially opened a leisure company’s ‘Christmas adventure’ yesterday (Thursday) to lift spirits in the town following the latest Covid-19 lockdown.

Councillor Gwen Burgess paid a visit to Salop Leisure’s headquarters, based alongside Shrewsbury bypass at Emstrey, where the company is pulling out all the stops to make the festive season memorable and safe for customers of all ages after a challenging year.

The Salop Christmas Adventure is scheduled to run until December 23 at the company’s Love2Stay resort where Covid-19 safety rules are in place to protect visitors and staff.

Festive attractions include Shrewsbury's largest outdoor synthetic skating rink, Shropshire Handmade and Creative Christmas Fair on December 12 ad 13 and virtual Santa and Elf Dashes to raise money to support the good work of Shrewsbury Town in the Community.

There will also be Santa’s Grotto, Tea with Santa, Christmas wreath making, festive afternoon tea and morning festive warmers for adults and craft activities and Christmas films for children.

The mayor said: “With news about a Covid-19 vaccine becoming available, it’s such good timing by Salop Leisure to open the Salop Christmas Adventure. These events at Salop Leisure have really taken off in the last couple of years.

“I am pleased that these events are still happening in Shrewsbury and I know that the company will do everything it can to keep people safe.”

The synthetic skating rink is open from 10am to 6pm daily, with skaters restricted to 10 at any one time. Group bookings are available at selected times for schools and youth groups and autism friendly sessions can be arranged. Email adventure@love2stay.co.uk for details.  

Santa’s Grotto runs from December 5 to 23, with each child visiting Santa receiving a gift and souvenir photo for £9. There is no charge for accompanying adults, but families are limited to four people. 

The grotto will be open every weekend up to Christmas from 10am to 5pm and on December 18 and 19 from 3pm to 5pm. Parents are advised to book their child’s visit online at https://www.salopchristmas.co.uk/ to avoid disappointment.

The annual Shropshire Handmade and Creative Christmas Fair will be hosted as an outdoor Christmas market within the grounds of Love2Stay on December 12 and 13. Up to 50 local traders will be offering handmade, home designed, artisan and products and food.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Salop Leisure’s popular, annual Santa and Elf Dashes will be a virtual affair this year to raise money to support the good work of Shrewsbury Town in the Community.

Individuals and families can choose to do their own fun run, jog, walk or treadmill session of between five and 10 kilometres until December 23 and all participants will receive a Santa suit and bespoke medal.

It costs £10 to enter and participants are asked to email a photo of their run, jog or walk, recorded on Garmin, TomTom or Fitbit, to adventure@love2stay.co.uk or to tag Love2Stay in to selfie social media posts. 

The virtual Elf Dash is for children under the age of eight who can choose their own route. It costs £6 to enter and each child, who will receive an elf suit and a medal, is asked to email their 'Elfie Selfie' to adventure@love2stay.co.uk or to tag in Love2Stay on social media.

Children and accompanying adults will also have a chance to have Tea with Santa from Wednesday to Sunday until December 23 for £12 per person. One bubble or extended family will be allowed per table.

Other treats lined up at Love2Stay include a morning Festive Warmer, which includes a hot drink and sweet treat for £5, at the coffee shop from Monday to Friday throughout December.

There will also be Christmas craft activities for children over the age of four until December 23, children’s Christmas films and a movie special on Friday nights with food and drinks provided.

Adults can make their own Christmas wreath with tuition during a two-hour workshop for £35 and festive afternoon teas will be served at Love2Stay and Salop Leisure’s Love Coffee restaurant from December 7 to 23. 

“The Salop Christmas Adventure is designed to make the festive season magical and safe for our customers who have young families,” said Ed Glover, Salop Leisure’s marketing manager. “I think everyone needs a festive lift this year.

“In addition to celebrating Christmas in Shrewsbury, our exciting programme of activities aims to raise public awareness of all the services we offer at Salop Leisure and Love2Stay.” 

For full details, visit https://www.salopchristmas.co.uk/