THE Christmas events in Ringwood have been cancelled due to Covid-19 but there will be a special visit from Santa.

The festivities were due to take place on November 29 and the scale of the event had already been reduced from the original plans, which included a fairground, live street entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and the lights switch-on.

Ringwood town council had hoped it could continue with the Christmas market which it says, with almost 40 stalls already booked on, would have been the largest in the town for many years.

Deputy mayor and chair of the Ringwood Events Team Philip Day said: “I know that this will come as huge disappointment to the local community who may struggle to understand the decision to cancel the market in particular but the majority view of my councillor colleagues who were tasked with making this very difficult decision was that as so many other Christmas festivities and markets had already been cancelled, the risk of attracting large crowds into the town for the event was unacceptable.”

“The stall holders who had booked a stand have been advised and have been remarkably understanding. All fees that they have paid are being refunded and they are being encouraged to apply for a small number of positions at other markets still scheduled to go ahead as planned during the run up to Christmas.”

All shops and businesses in Ringwood are being invited to take part in Ringwood’s own winter wonderland - decorating their own premises with festive displays. Competitions will be held for the best display and to spot the “unusual item”, with the aim of encouraging people to come into town and support local businesses.

Mayor Tony Ring added: “I am in advanced discussions with Father Christmas who, based in Lapland is not currently subject to travel restrictions. He has agreed to pay a flying visit to Ringwood to help me turn the lights on and to make sure no-one misses this spectacular event.

“He has also kindly agreed to record messages for children who will not be able to visit him in his grotto this year and is discussing with me how he might be able to receive presents for all of the disadvantaged children to make sure that despite all of the current difficulties, they too can celebrate the season of goodwill to all”.

The switch-on will be available to watch on social media.