Much loved Santa’s grotto returns to The Mercury

A very popular Santa’s grotto has re-opened its doors at The Mercury shopping centre in Romford. The grotto which has been running for nearly thirty years and the longest running grotto in Havering was officially opened by Havering Mayor Councillor Gerry O’Sulliavn who did the honors by cutting the red ribbon with a little helping hand from one of our younger visitors his gorgeous granddaughter Penelope Alexander, aged four months. Also to lend a hand at the opening was the grotto’s nutcracker Ian Courtier, Deputy Centre manager Natalie Bays and her handsome pup Pom- Poko and The Mercury’s kids club mascot Marvin the monkey. Natalie Bays deputy centre manager says; ‘ The grotto at The Mercury is one of the friendliest in town, we also welcome our animal friends, it’s certainly inclusive, young and old are all welcome’.  

 

The grotto will be open everyday from now until Christmas Eve and no prior booking is required. Tuesday’s will offer sensory grotto sessions which are calmer, more inclusive visits to see Santa for children or adults with additional needs to sensory sensitivities. These sessions may include reduced crowds or quiet music. Bring your doggies to see Santa in his igloo grotto every Wednesday or Thursday, yes we are dog friendly, Santa Paws! From the 27th November you can stop by the helpdesk when you visit with your pooch for an additional doggie treat and a chance to enter our doggie competition at no extra cost.  The Mercury has a fun packed host of activities this Christmas kicking off a month long of festive favourites to enjoy with Marvin, Elfie, Zen Tuesdays, choirs, crafts and Christmas themed entertainment is just a sprinkle of what’s to come, for further information of what’s on and when visit www.themercurymall.co.uk   A visit to the grotto costs just £5 and a proportion of proceeds as always will go to a local charity this year, Saint Francis Hospice.  

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