STRETFORD Mall will be kicking off Christmas at the centre in style this Saturday as the festive season officially starts at the popular shopping destination.

The centre will turn into a winter wonderland as it plays host to a whole range of fun and games, including Santa’s grotto, a Christmas parade and interactive theatre and storytelling - all starting from 11am on Saturday.

Centre manager Gareth Wilkins said everyone at the centre was looking forward to the festive extravaganza. “Christmas is a wonderful time of year at Streford Mall and this year we are really starting it with a bang,” said Gareth.

“We’ve got a bumper day of activity with something for everyone taking place. For those feeling creative, we’ll have a free ‘Do It Your Elf’ workshop where children will be able to make their very own bauble to hang on their Christmas tree. We’ll also have a parade that will wind its way through the centre with a whole range of different local groups taking part and numerous interactive performances from our very own Stretford Mall elves. To top it all off, we will of course, have Santa in his grotto as our guest of honour.”

The super Saturday of festive fun will be taking place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, November 26 at Stretford Mall and Santa’s Grotto will open at 1pm once the parade is complete.

Children will then be able to visit Santa from Thursday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm and 11am to 4pm on Sundays until December 18 when he will be in residence every day until Christmas Eve. Visits to the grotto are free but visits that include a gift cost £4.50 per child.