The organisers of the Santa’s Grotto in Henley since 2017, Tipi Events, are delighted to announce a socially distanced version of the seasonal highlight on Monday 21st December at the Spice Merchant from 10.00-1800.

Paula Price-Davis and Tom Ryan have said that thanks to local companies Henley Self Storage and Invesco stepping up as headline sponsors and also with the support of Zzoomm and Kench & Co has meant that not only can Santa’s Grotto go ahead this year but that it will be free for all and each child will receive a special gift.

Henley based experience agency Interface, Vintage Look and Hobbs of Henley will help create a winter wonderland for Santa and his dog Daisy. Santas’ Grotto is supporting The Chiltern Centre who will be running a raffle and babershop quartet The Tonyx will be performing at lunchtime.

Last year’s grotto that Tipi Events organised attracted over 1,000 visitors in just over four hours during Henley’s Christmas Festival late night shopping, making it the busiest night in the Regal Picturehouse’s 25-year history. Things of course are a litttle different this year.

With both the cinema and previous venue the Kenton Theatre currently closed, the Spice Merchant offered its large back room and garden balcony as a new location. The Thameside restaurant will be offering nibbles and mulled wine for the grown-ups.

A Covid-resilient plan in accordance with government guidelines has been drawn up in association with SODC. Track and trace information will be obtained on the day, groups limited to six, PPE worn by team members and social distancing measures implemented throughout. 

The organisers said, “We are so grateful to Henley Self Storage, Invesco, Zzoomm, Kench, Interface, Hobbs and Vintage Look for making this holiday highlight possible. In a tough year for so many it is fitting that the community has come together for some much-needed Christmas cheer.”