Sutton Coldfield’s Gracechurch has no major Christmas events and no Santa’s cave

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Sutton Coldfield's Christmas lighting plan has been announced, but due to Covid concerns, this year will not be a big fan.

Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District confirmed that the main lights will be turned on in the city center on Saturday (November 20). However, due to the fear of crowds gathering in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, there will be no celebrities to fulfill this honor this year.

In the past few years, Sutton stars like TV presenter Emma Willis and vampire lead singer Brad Simpson have pressed the red button to illuminate the town in the light of festivals.

Read more: Sutton Suburbs Announce Christmas Lights and Holidays

But this year there will be street performers in the town, such as balloon modelers and jugglers, who can entertain people in smaller groups to minimize the chance of Covid-19 spreading.

BID, which funded the Christmas display, stated that the town would become a "winter wonderland" but there were no formal events because they "cannot control the crowd in the parade."

There will also be no Santa’s cave this year-from now until December 19, and every day until Christmas Eve, Santa will participate in the free holiday mini golf course, and Santa will participate on Saturday and Sunday.

Sutton Trinity Town Councillor and BID board member Keith Ward said: “Because of the uncertainty of Covid and large groups still being discouraged by many consultants, it has been decided not to hold large-scale events this year.

"We will hold festival buskers throughout the day in the town center, performing some thrilling skills and some live prizes, and provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family before the lights are turned on at 5 pm.

"Our belief is that Covid still exists. Therefore, there will be no major events this year. There will also be no Santa’s cave. But instead, there is a free holiday mini golf course provided by WH Smiths."

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He continued: “We can put on all these things without people crowding together. They can do it in small groups and avoid the risk of crowding a large number of people in a small space.

"We, as an organization group, are uncomfortable doing this. We think it might be a bit too fast. Therefore, we broadcast it cautiously. "We still want people to be entertained, which is why we organize street entertainment. . "

BID Board of Directors, Sutton Walmley and Minworth City Councillor David Barrie said: "The overall view is that we cannot control the crowds in the parade. Over the years, the scale of the event has continued. Expanding, but still not normal anyway, how we hope it is like this."

Angela Henderson, Gracechurch Mall Manager and BID Chairman, added: "We are very happy to start Christmas with the annual Christmas lights.

"Christmas is a particularly busy time of the year in the city center. Whether tourists come to shop or celebrate, we are committed to creating a festive atmosphere and making their visit more magical.

"Although we are unable to plan the official light-on event this year due to the gradual lifting of restrictions, we look forward to setting the tone for Christmas and welcome everyone to the Royal Town."

BrumWish 2021 aims to give thousands of Christmas gifts to young children in our cities in need-homeless, disadvantaged, cared for and homeless children.

This year’s appeal is greater and better than ever before-because we work with #Toys4Birmingham partners, including Thrive Together Birmingham, Birmingham Playcare Network, Edgbaston Foundation and Birmingham Forward Steps.

Also involved are the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Barnardo's, Spurgeon's Children’s Charity, Sparkhill’s Springfield Project, São Paulo Community Development Trust and Your Local Pantry, which operates food centers in 12 locations in Birmingham and Black Country.

Alternatively, you can collect and send new and almost new items on special donation day at Edgbaston Stadium B5 7QU on Saturday, November 27, Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4 from 11 am to 3 pm Donations of toys and gifts, volunteers will be there waiting to see you.

New or almost new, unwrapped gifts, books and toys suitable for all ages will be accepted.

You can also donate cash, which will go to funds held by charity partners to fill gaps or buy professional toys for children with additional needs. This is the link for donations.

The Sutton Christmas lighting event is in stark contrast to the Christmas lighting event in Bodmere on Sunday, November 21st. Thousands of people are expected to gather on Bodmere Road.

There will be entertainment activities, children's playground equipment, Ferris wheel, food and beverage stalls, and Christmas gift and craft stalls between 1 pm and 6 pm. The lights will be on at 5.30 pm. All the details of the Boldmere event can be found here.

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