FATHER Christmas is coming to town.

The Waterside Arts Centre is getting ready to welcome Raymond Briggs’ 'Father Christmas'.

This heart-warming and much loved family tale is brought to you by Hammersmith and Pins and Needles, who created last year’s sell-out Christmas Show, 'The Bear'.

Children of all ages will delight in Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas as he prepares for his busiest day, Christmas Eve.

Watch him as he arranges his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.

The live music, songs, and puppetry will win over and melt the hearts of any non-believers.

This critically acclaimed adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ book is a delightful festive treat for all the family.

Darren Adams, manager of Waterside, said: “After a record breaking year and unprecedented audience response to The Bear, we are thrilled to be working with the same team to bring another Raymond Briggs’ favourite, Father Christmas, to Waterside this winter.

“We are proud of our commitment to creating enchanting experiences for our young audiences, presenting work of the highest calibre and we cannot wait for our Christmas to begin.”

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas opens to the public on Wednesday, December 5 and runs until Monday, December 31.

Schools performances are also available. For a full breakdown, see watersidearts.org/fatherchristmas.

The show is recommended for children aged between 3 and 11.

Cookies and milk packs are available to pre-order for an extra £2.

Children (and adults too!) are invited to come in their pyjamas and bring a favourite bedtime teddy to the 6pm 'Slumber Shows', making their theatre experience a real bedtime treat!

* Raymond Briggs Father Christmas is at Waterside Arts from Wednesday, December 5 to Monday, December 31.

For tickets, telephone the box office on 0161 912 5616.