Santa Grotto Bus Spreads Festive Cheer Across Aldershot for Third Year Running

The Aldershot Santa Grotto Bus has returned for its third year, bringing joy and festive magic to the communities across Aldershot and Rushmoor. The project, which has become a much-anticipated tradition, aims to provide a special Santa Grotto experience for families in areas that need it most.

This year’s event was launched with the support of local Rushmoor councillors Keith Dibble, Gaynor Austin, and Calum Stewart, who came to show their support for the event. While the councillors joined as volunteers to make the experience extra special for local families, it was the hard work and dedication of the team at Stagecoach Aldershot that made the event possible.

Cllr Keith Dibble, Rushmoor Councillor, said: “I am so proud to have been a part of this incredible event. The Santa Grotto Bus truly spreads joy and festive cheer across our communities, and it’s fantastic to see the smiles it brings to children and families year after year.”

Cllr Gaynor Austin, Rushmoor Councillor, added: “The Santa Grotto Bus is such a heartwarming initiative. It’s a privilege to support this event and see firsthand the positive impact it has on our local families during the festive season.”

Cllr Calum Stewart, Rushmoor Councillor, said: “Being involved in the Santa Grotto Bus is always a highlight of the year. The joy it spreads throughout our community is unmatched, and I’m so proud of everyone who helps make it happen.”

As part of the launch day, the Santa Grotto Bus visited a festive event held at the Wellesley development, where they partnered with Grainger PLC who are delivering 3850 new homes in Aldershot on ex-military land. The Conservation Volunteers from the Wellesley Woodlands joined the festivities by hosting a craft table for children to create holiday crafts and the Wellesley Residents’ Committee gave out free refreshments like mince pies and warm beverages.

Lucy Crockford, Community Development Manager at Grainger PLC, shared her appreciation: “We are so thankful to Stagecoach South for choosing to bring the Santa Grotto Bus to Wellesley. It’s such a fantastic event, and our families here really enjoyed it. Please do pass on our thanks to the entire team for all their hard work.”

The festive event also received praise from Aaron Hodgkiss, Aldershot Depot Manager, who said: “Being part of this event for the third year running, I am again blown away by my team here at Aldershot. Their dedication and hard work in organising the Santa Grotto Bus helps spread so much joy throughout our community. I would also like to thank the councillors, Grainger PLC, Rushmoor Council, Wellesley Hants, Hampshire Council, and Surrey Council for their continued support in making this event such a success.”

Families visiting the Santa Grotto Bus enjoyed meeting Santa Claus, his cheerful elves, a friendly reindeer, and even an inflatable snowman, creating magical memories for all who attended.

The Santa Grotto Bus will continue to travel across Aldershot, bringing festive joy to communities until 20th December.