Erin Martin, aged 4 from Victoria Nursery School has been chosen by Santa to officially open Belfast One’s biggest ever Santa’s Post Office and officially begin the Christmas countdown.
It is expected that over 10,000 letters will make their way to the North Pole from 2 Royal Avenue this year.
On Saturday 14th November, special guest Erin will officially open the Post Office for a special first look for her family and friends.
The Post Office will open to the public from Sunday 15th November until Sunday 20th December at 2 Royal Avenue, welcoming visitors to enjoy a host of free festive fun. Santa’s elves will be at the ready with pencils and paper for children to write their letters and will also host arts and crafts as part of the experience. Visitors can also get photos with Santa’s Sleigh, while a special photo wall will immerse children in the magic of Christmas.
Significant funding from A&BNI has enabled Belfast One to provide an inclusive, free Christmas experience for everyone again this year. The funding enables Belfast One to hold a quiet evening and a BSL night, as well as provide the opportunity for a SEN class to attend the Post Office and to bring Santa’s Post Office and his elves to Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice users and their families.
The dedicated quiet evening (Wednesday 2nd December) is designed to provide a calm, comfortable and inclusive environment for children who may find busy or noisy settings overwhelming. Tickets are only required for the quiet evening and the BSL evening (Wednesday 9th December). The quiet evening is sold out, however free tickets for the BSL evening can be booked at eventbrite.co.uk.bsl-belfast-one
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID says, “The funding from A&BNI has allowed us to make this Christmas special for even more children across the county. It is amazing to be able to arrange elf visits to Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, which will mean so much to so many families this Christmas, and to continue this inclusive event which welcomes everyone across NI, with our quiet and BSL evenings at the Post Office, and of course our visit to the Hospice.
“It’s great to also be supporting the art sector in Northern Ireland through our events, working with c21 and the elves again this year.
“We are delighted to welcome Erin and her mum Roisin to officially open Santa’s Post Office and welcome her family and friends to be the first to get their letters sent to Santa.
“We are looking forward to welcoming families to 2 Royal Avenue again this year and helping even more children to send their letters straight from Santa’s Post Office with Santa’s elves on hand to help over 10,000 letters make their way to the North Pole. We have experienced huge demand in past years and we expect this year to be no different, with so much Christmas spirit in the Post Office, we are looking forward to welcoming many visitors to this completely free family event in the run up to Christmas.”
Santa’s Post Office opening weekend will be an exciting one for Belfast with the official Christmas Lights Switch on and the opening of the Christmas Market, preceded by Santa’s Parade from City Hall.
Martina concluded; “There really is something for the whole family this Christmas in Belfast and we hope our visitors enjoy every second of the season in the city!”
