Santa Claus is not coming to town this year
A well-loved Christmas parade has been cancelled because of the pandemic.
Due to Covid-19, the Rotary Club of Wednesbury has been forced to cancel this year’s Father Christmas float project.
Carried out throughout the month of December, the club’s annual Father Christmas effort has become a tradition in the area.
The club began taking Father Christmas around the town in 1975.
Rotarian Mike Warner said: “Over the years the generosity of Wednesbury people has been magnificent and, during that time, in excess of a quarter of a million pounds has been collected by the club, as the float has, annually, endeavoured to visit nearly every part of the town.
“Year on year, much of this money has been distributed locally, with schools, clubs, churches and individuals all being appreciative beneficiaries.
“In addition, every year, many local groups and youth organisations have assisted the club in making the project such a success, and they have always been generously rewarded.
“Support has also been provided by Rotarians from other local clubs, particularly the Rotary Club of Walsall Saddlers.
“Thus, the Covid-enforced cancellation of our much-loved Father Christmas Float means that Christmas in Wednesbury, as in many parts of the world, will not be quite the same this year.
“However, importantly, although Father Christmas will not be touring the streets as usual, handing out thousands of lollies in the process, we are sure he will still fulfil his duties on Christmas Eve, so that the children of the town will receive their presents.”
