Santa arrives as Christmas in Hull begins with Old Town event

Christmas has officially come to Hull as an array of festive characters take over Old Town today.

Stilt walkers, elves, jugglers and even Santa himself have arrived in town on the first of a series of festive Saturdays aimed at getting people in the mood for Christmas.

The entertainers will be performing on the street for visitors between 11am and 3pm today and the following four Saturdays, while four new "busk stops" will showcase the best of busker activity on each Saturday of the experience.

Councillor Terry Geraghty, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Old Town is getting ready to provide a fun festive shopping experience for both residents and visitors to enjoy. We hope people will flock to the area to get into the Christmas spirit and see what a great venue it is for shopping, entertainment and dining."

Today also saw the arrival of Santa in his Hobbit-themed grotto in Princes Quay, where he will be listening to wish lists from now until Christmas.

John and Sam Bullars were in town with their three children, Adam, Lucie and Megan. The family were planning to see Santa, as well visit the Da Vinci exhibition at the Ferens Art gallery, which has been attracting up to 1,000 visitors a day.

John Bullars said: "We came to see the Da Vinci exhibition but this is all an added bonus.

"I work long hours and it is nice to come out and spend time as a family with the children."

From Thursday 22 November to Wednesday 12 December the Old Town will also be home to a ‘Spot the Elves’ competition - where children aged from three to 11 years are invited to find a host of elf themed Christmas lights located around the area.

Prizes include a bike voucher, family meals, theatre tickets and more. Entry forms can be collected from the Tourist Information Centre, Holy Trinity Church or downloaded from www.christmasinhull.co.uk or www.hullcc.gov.uk

Other Christmas activities in Hull will include:

• Christmas Craft Fair - Central Library - 10am to 4pm today and 3pm to 8pm, Thursday 22 November

• Christmas Parade - Holy Trinity Church to QVS - from 6pm, Thursday 22 November, 2012, children and parents are invited to join the parade prior to the:

• Christmas Lights switch on - City Hall - Thursday 22 November, 2012, from 5.30pm to 7pm.

• Hull's Golden Mile - A guided walk through Hull's Old Town, highlighting its history, attractions and unique ambience. Saturdays and Sundays starting at the tourist information centre, City Hall, 11am, 17th November to 23rd December.

• Ti Amero Christmas Concert - Holy Trinity Church - Thursday 13 December, 7.30 pm.

• Nativity Street Play - Saturday 22 December 2012, 12.30pm to 3pm - a live nativity play with Mary and Joseph and the donkey making their way from Nazareth (QVS in Queen Victoria Square) to Bethlehem (Trinity Square), followed by the three wise men, shepherds, camels and sheep.

• Christmas Craft Fair/Market - Holy Trinity Church, Saturday 22 December, 10am to 3pm,

Christingle Service, Holy Trinity Church, Saturday 22 December, 4pm.

The festive busk stops can be found at:

• Queen Victoria Square

• Beverley Gate (top of Whitefriargate)

• Parliament Street (half way down Whitefriargate)

• Trinity Square

• Princess Dock Side (temporary for the Christmas period only).

Meanwhile, the famous Coca Cola Christmas truck will be at Princes Quay next week.