HE may be busy in the run-up to Christmas but Santa has found the time to fly by Altrincham next weekend for his namesake festival.

Altrincham Santa Festival will make its debut on Saturday December 5 from 10am-9pm.

The Santa themed event is from the team behind the town’s successful French Festival and will take place in a number of locations across Altrincham including the Stamford Quarter, George Street and Kings Court.

Highlights include a Santa Team Challenge – which is free to enter until midnight Thursday November 26 - Santa Claus candlelight parade and Santa Party.

Zainul Sachak, the brains behind the French Festival and organiser of Santa Festival, said: “This Santa Festival is closely linked to the European celebration of St Nicholas Day, which occurs on December 5 and is the inspiration behind the modern day Santa Claus.

“St. Nicholas is a popular occasion for children in many parts of Europe because children usually receive gifts on this day. Some European cities such as Bari, Italy, recognise St Nicholas as the patron saint and celebrate with different activities such as gift-giving, parades, feasts and festivals.”

The Santa Team Challenge, which will take place at 10am, will involve teams of four people. Each team member will receive a Santa Clause outfit to wear and the team will have to complete challenges, including tug of war, sleigh pulling and eating mince pies.

At 4.30pm, the Santa Claus candlelight parade will pass through Stamford Quarter and George Street.

The day will finish off at with the Santa Party, in Kings Cross, from 5pm-9pm. Children will be able to meet Santa Claus and receive a gift, whilst enjoying the Winter Wonderland and Santa Grotto. Other activities throughout the day include a treasure hunt, face painting, music, dancing and carol singing along Stamford Quarter and George Street and festive art at Art with a Heart.

Zainul said: “We hope with this event to bring this tradition alive in Altrincham and hopefully it will become an annual event.”

Tickets for the Santa Party cost £10 and include a gift, hot snack and drink. To book the Santa Team Challenge or for more information, visit altyfrenchfestival.co.uk/santa-festival.