Santa rocking up – laden with presents – to the Stone Centre
SANTA Claus is coming to the National Stone Centre at the weekend, as the visitor near Middleton attraction hosts its first-ever Community Christmas Festival.
The visitor attraction, not far from Ashbourne, will host the free event on Saturday, December 18, with a variety of festive and geological activities on offer, as well as a free Santa’s grotto, where each child receives a present.
These include indoor and outdoor Christmas market stalls, Santa’s Grotto and carol singing, as well as a geology trail tour and gem panning.
A spokesperson for the NSC confirmed that “we’ve checked Government guidelines and Covid passports do not apply to this event”.
James Thorne, from organisers, Institute of Quarrying, says: “We’re really looking forward to hosting the National Stone Centre’s first-ever Christmas Festival and meeting with the local community.
“Alongside a variety of festive and geology-related activities, we are inviting guests to our open meeting to discuss our vision for a new, re-energised visitor attraction and welcoming feedback from the public.”
The open meeting will feature an update from the IQ surrounding the latest developments, progress and future plans for the NSC. A festive-themed menu will be supplied by the on-site Blue Lagoon Coffee House & Cafe.
The scheduled activities include:
9am - 10am: Community meeting featuring an open table discussion on the progress IQ has made following the recently announced merger with the NSC.
10am - noon: Santa’s Grotto, which is free to attend. Children will also receive a gift-wrapped present.
10am - 3.30pm: Christmas market stalls featuring hand-crafted wreaths from Christmas Garlands by Grace, Kagz Bath Bombs; festive Christmas-themed dog treats from F and B Pets, as well as Coast and Co’s handmade wax melts, mulled wine and mince pie stand, and festive tombola, plus more.
10am - 3.30: The Search for Santa’s Reindeer activity will encourage children to look for reindeer sculptures that are hidden around the National Stone Centre site. Once all nine reindeers are located, children will receive a goodie bag.
10am - 3.30pm: Gem panning is always popular at the NSC. Enjoy a fun adventurous time and uncover gems, crystals and minerals.
11.30am: The Ukeswirks, a local Ukulele band, will be performing Christmas songs and carols.
11.30am and 1.30pm: Explore the fascinating NSC site and join one of the two Geology Trail Tour Walks. Visitors will discover 320-million-year-old fossils, an ancient reef, quarries, the Millennium Wall, lime kilns and lead mines.
Visitors can confirm their attendance in advance on the stone centre’s website at www. nationalstonecentre.org.uk