Features / Christmas
In photos: Santa Dash 2022
Hundreds of Santas have hit the streets in one part of Bristol, running 5km to raise money to light up their local high street.
The Santa Dash was organised by Shire Christmas Illuminations, a group of five women in Shirehampton who are dedicated to getting the community in the festive spirit.
Around 300 residents took part in the event on Sunday, with some finding inventive ways to get their little elves across the finish line – on scooters, shoulders and in buggies.
is needed now More than ever
300 Santas lapped Shirehampton on Sunday, raising thousands for Shire Christmas Illuminations – photo: Ella Calland
Run, walk or scoot, locals came together to make sure Shire sparkles this Christmas – photo: Ella Calland
Elves met each Santa with a medal at the finish line – photo: Ella Calland
Neighbours lined the streets to cheer the Santas on along the way, and even set up a pit stop with a shot of port or hot squash to keep them going.
The PBA Club served as the starting point and finish line for the dash, which was kicked off by Bake Off star Briony Williams. Each Santa was also treated to a mulled cider at the end of the event.
The Santa Dash is an annual occurrence in Shirehampton – photo: Ella Calland
The youngsters put the parents through their paces – photo: Ella Calland
Santas were met with cheers as they crossed the finish line – photo: Ella Calland
Commentary from Steve Horton, who was decked out in Christmas attire, kept the morale high in the freezing cold.
A Christmas Craft Fair also took place in the PBA ballroom, with 21 stalls offering an array of Christmas gifts, including homemade crafts, soaps and bespoke jewellery.
Steve Horton’s commentary kept spirits high in the cold – photo: Ella Calland
Victorious Santas descended on the Christmas Craft Fair after the dash – photo: Ella Calland
Shire Christmas Illuminations formed six years ago, saving Shirehampton’s high street from a dark Christmas after the Christmas lights committee disbanded at the last minute.
Rachel Ridgeway, a member of Shire Christmas Illuminations, said: “Within a single week in December 2015, over £1000 was raised and the Christmas lights went up
“A small committee was formed the following January with the intention of making the Christmas lights sustainable for future years. We’ve never looked back – well occasionally to revel in our achievements!”
Rachel Ridgeway, Vicki Wilshire, Chloe Daley, Louise White run Shire Christmas Illuminations along with Faye Sage – photo: Ella Calland
The group have ensured the village shines bright every holiday season since.
Rachel added: “The community spirit in Shirehampton steps up a gear at Christmas. We are predominantly a working class community but nothing will dampen our community spirit at Christmas.”
Shire Christmas Illuminations are on the lookout for volunteers. To get involved, email shirechristmasilluminations@outlook.com
Ella Calland is reporting on Shirehampton as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: Ella Calland
Read next:
- The best of Bristol’s Christmas shows in 2022
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