More than 700 letters sent to Santa and 50 Christmas presents donated to struggling families at Weston Favell Shopping Centre

Since Weston Favell shopping centre in Northampton announced their Christmas line-up last month, it has shown to be a huge hit with the local community.

The shopping centre was unable to hold their annual parade and Santa’s grotto due to COVID restrictions but staff were still able to shake things up with a variety of festive activities throughout December.

Weston Favell’s Centre manager, Kevin Legg, said “We hope you are keeping safe and well this Christmas and enjoy our efforts, with our latest seasonal displays, to bring a bit of joy to what’s been a difficult year for all.

“We have taken steps to ensure everyone remains safe whilst taking part in each activity, so kindly ask you to use the hand sanitiser provided and keep a safe distance at all times.”

A light-up star was erected on the lower mall for shoppers to write messages of joy to hang up on display. Over 1050 messages have been left on the star since it was put up on Thursday December 3 - these range from Christmas wishes to thanking our NHS to messages for loved ones or dearly departed family members.

More than 700 letters have been posted to Santa in the talking post-box located upstairs and two lucky children won a present from each of their Christmas lists. Santa will be at Weston Favell shopping centre this coming weekend to empty the post-box and choose two more winners to receive presents from their wish-lists.

The shopping centre’s Facebook giveaway has, so far, received 557 entries and - of those entries - 15 winners were randomly selected to win prizes from Costa, Greggs, H. Samuel, Peacocks and Tesco.

Five winners are chosen each week and the grand prize of a £500 shopping spree in Tesco is still up for grabs. Customers need to scan the giant present outside of Tesco at the centre to enter the competition, which closes on Christmas Eve at 4pm.

The shopping centre is also accepting gift donations for Home-Start Northampton, who support families under stress in their own homes. They have received over 50 presents to give to people using the Home-Start service so far. Gifts can be donated until 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Visit the Weston Favell shopping centre website for more information and full terms and conditions for each festive activity.