Bar holds Christmas celebration... in May
LANDLORD’S 12-DAY BASH AFTER ‘BORIS NICKED’ FESTIVE SEASON
A MADCAP landlord is turning his town centre bar into a Christmassy winter wonderland when he reopens at one minute past midnight on Monday.
Ian Snowball is giving The Showtime bar in Zetland Street a festive makeover harking back to the Christmas in pubs we never had as the government imposed a second national lockdown.
One minute past midnight is the earliest legal time landlords can invite customers inside their bars to drink alcohol.
When pubs were allowed to reopen their outdoor areas last month Ian was among the first in the UK to reopen at one minute after midnight.
Ian said: “Boris nicked our Christmas! But that all changes on Monday as Showtime prepare to steal the moment back, albeit it fourand-a-bit months late – but better late than never.
“Huddersfield was robbed of its festive Christmas drinks and camaraderie. Showtime is fighting to rescue it for anyone else who cares to let their hair down and join us in the celebrations.”
So for the first 12 days, Monday, May 17 to Saturday, May 29, Showtime will operate as Snowtime, complete with Christmas tree, reindeer and Santa’s sleigh.
There will also be a selection of Christmas cocktails and even a Santa-themed beer pong.
Ian added: “Once again it is all in the pursuit of having fun and if you want to join in the fun and frivolity then you are more than welcome but if you just want to sit back in the hot seat and enjoy your pint in peace, the rest of the venue is at your disposal.”
His son Adam said: “The idea is that we don’t want it to look like coronavirus beat us. There are many people who feel as if they missed out on a little something over the Christmas period, whether it be a works party, silly Christmas Jumper pub crawl, or just meeting up with a group of old friends or family.
“Ian wanted to turn the entire venue into a winter wonderland but we have compromised on just letting him have the raised section, which is open to everyone.
“So if any parents would like to bring their children during off-peak times, sit in the sleigh and have a hot or soft drink they are more than welcome, we see it as much as a community thing as anything else. With regard to the opening night, the police continue to work with us and have allowed us to stay open later than normal again on opening night. The format will be the same as last time, the venue will open indoors at one minute past midnight and we will party on until everyone has tired themselves out. Entry on the opening night is by invitation only again, to get on the list please email me at: adam.snowball@gmail.com.”
If everything can be pulled together in time Showtime is hoping to have live performers for the night as well.