Santa Claus coming to town for drive-through carol concert

Alison Frost, manager of The Longhorn pub in Sutton Road, Walsall, has teamed up with the choir at St Martin's Church to host a drive-through carol concert.

Alison said: "It is a long standing tradition for the pub to host a carol service with St Martin's choir, it's happened for at least 12 years.

"Due to Covid restrictions, the pub is closed at the moment and although it's not looking too promising for Walsall we still wanted to go something to support Acorns.

"At The Longhorn, we're all about raising money and supporting Acorns, who is our nominated charity. The work they do day-to-day is an even greater challenge than most people could face."

The carol concert will be held on the car park at the front of the pub and is Covid secure, Alison added.

Guests will stay in their cars and the pub will not be open.

Marshals will manage traffic flow and guide vehicles into the car park, guests will be able to listen to two carols performed by the choir and make donations, before being moved on so that the next people can enter.

Local business WM Access Platforms has provided a cherry picker to put lights up safely so Father Christmas and his elf can be visible to guests as they sing along.

The car park will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with inflatable polar bears, snow men and plenty of lights.

Alison added: "This is a way people can support their local community and be a part of Christmas safely.

"We've already had some people give us donations, and if anyone else would like to donate on the day we would be extremely grateful.

"There will also be a representative from Acorns there on the night who will take any additional donations including biscuits, selection boxes or toys.

"All funds raised will be split equally between St Martin's Church and Acorns Children's Hospice, who are in desperate need of support."

The concert will be held on Friday, December 18 from 6pm at The Longhorn.