Elves hard at work at new toy swapshop
A new Elves’ Swapshop at Bath Christmas Market lets children trade in their old toys for “new” ones.
The magical Elf-o-matic turns pre-loved toys into shiny golden tickets, which youngsters can then swap for another plaything off the shelf. All the toys are cleaned and repaired by Santa’s elves before going to a new owner.
If they’re very well-behaved, Bath children may even get the chance to glimpse St Nicholas himself or hear his jolly “ho ho ho!” The Swapshop on Abbeygate Street costs £5 per child and can be booked online.
The festive experience is supported by experts at Share and Repair Bath, who are skilled in upcycling pre-loved items. Bath BID CEO Allison Herbert said the Swapshop was “green, familyfriendly and a bit inventive”.
“The Elf-o-matic was designed by local actor and comedian Ralph Oswick and built by a lady who creates festival sets, so it is very durable and can be used all year round, at different events,” she explained.
Bath’s children could not wait to give it a try during the Christmas Market’s first weekend and Santa himself even made an appearance.
The Elves’ Swapshop will be at 1 Abbeygate Street, Bath, until December 20. To visit, book a session online at www. welcometobath.co.uk/event/ the-elves-swapshop/