Christmas cheer for Aylesbury as Rotary vows popular Santa Float WILL tour the town despite Covid-19

In a statement sent to The Bucks Herald, The Rotary Club of Aylesbury says despite Covid 19 restrictions, it hopes to continue with the traditional Carol Float this year 'bringing joy to the town and collecting money for local good causes'.

"The Rotary Club very much hopes to be able to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer to the residents of Aylesbury this December by transporting Santa around the town on his float, with seasonal music to help us feel the festive season is really here," a statement said.

"We want as many children and grown-ups as possible, including those who have not been able to leave home in recent months to be able to see him and exchange a cheery wave and a Christmas wish as he goes past."

Exact arrangements will of course depend on national and local measures that are in place during December.

And the Rotary Club of Aylesbury were keen to stress they are 'very aware of the need to avoid public gatherings and maintain social distancing'.

"It certainly can’t be business as usual and we won’t be knocking on doors, but we are determined to do what we can to continue this long- standing tradition," the statement added.

The latest information about the routes Santa will be travelling each evening will be published on the Rotary's website and Facebook page. You will be able to track the progress of the float and find out exactly when Santa will be on your street by logging on to the live tracker.

The Rotary Club of Aylesbury has submitted a detailed risk assessment to the local council which it hopes will be approved to also have a presence in the town centre (High Street) on Saturdays 12th and 19th December from 10am to 4pm so Christmas shoppers can get some Santa magic too.

The statement continued: "Each December for more than 40 years, the generous people of Aylesbury have donated millions of coins and lots of paper money too, that has enabled us to make grants to local charities who this year need our help more than ever. We will still have our collecting buckets, albeit at a metre’s distance from both our collectors and members of the public, but recognise that this isn’t ideal for everyone. We have invested in contactless card payment technology for those who prefer to “tap and go” with credit or debit cards and have also set up text and online payment options."