Nantwich councillors have saved an annual Christmas Santa Show – despite some calling for the popular event to be axed!
The show has taken place every year for 11 years at Nantwich Civic Hall, attracting hundreds of primary school children across the town.
But some councillors questioned the show’s costs as it is staged by an outside production company.
In 2024, it cost the town council £2,800. Primary pupils at five Nantwich schools are given free entry, and ticket sales are made from other schools and nurseries who attend.
At the latest town council meeting, officers recommended the show be retained in 2026 between December 6-9, alongside a family Christmas market between December 11-13 with small fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto and live music.
Members previously backed a £4,000 market entertainment budget for 2026 which would cover the costs.
The report said: “The Santa Show provides a festive cultural performance for children and families, reinforcing Nantwich’s reputation for vibrant cultural events and live theatre experiences.
“The proposed Christmas Market weekend aligns with this by bringing together seasonal entertainment, a Santa’s Grotto, live music, and traditional market activity, enhancing the cultural calendar and promoting civic pride.
“Overall, the feedback demonstrates that the Christmas Show is a well-received and valued event, delivering a joyful and memorable experience for local schoolchildren.”
However, Cllr Geoff Smith questioned whether the Santa Show could be replaced with something else.
He said: “This is an opportunity to explore more creative ideas for children. There are other organisations worth having a look at.
“The show has been going for a while, I’m not saying it should finish but we should reflect on the creative workshops we had in the summer and consider more thought-provoking work.”
Cllr Loic Charbonneau agreed, adding: “It is a national company that runs this show.
“Surely, we can engage with local providers and try something more creative and be more in line with our core objectives.
“To fork out money for fairground rides does not excite me!”
He suggested having an outside stage and providing an open mic facility for young people to perform.
But deputy mayor Cllr Kim Jamson said: “We didn’t get anyone who wanted to perform on the stage at the Youth Arts Festival, and that was in nice summer weather.
“If the Santa Show is working, then let’s leave it and then work on the £4,000.”
The cost of £3,000 is not excessive, however why not consider a trip to the the Lyceum Theatre In Crewe. I thought the Panto visited Crewe every year at this festive time. I remember taking my kids there, it was great fun. Supporting Crewe is no bad idea. Can’t the Town Council negotiate special ticket prices. Food for thought?
Giving the younger members of our community a fun afternoon must be good.
Introducing them to theatre has to be a positive.
@mark – There is a Christmas open air event for the lights switch on already. Have you seen some of the open air entertainment events that have taken place in the town already and how sparsely attended they are?? What we are talking about here is a christmsd Panto. ‘The better idea’ is to leave it where it is and let local kids enjoy it.
Get a grip tony d December is hardly ever that bad weather wise. Kids will enjoy an open air event. Topic is how to save money. Think of better ideas not scrap the event. Unless of course you have a better idea. Thought not!
Heaven forbid that public money should go towards a free theatre day out for local schoolchildren… but no, and one of these councillors even wants to drag these kids to an outside stage in freezing December and let them watch open mic for a couple of hours instead!
Absolutely Clueless.
I agree, it does seem something parents could chip in for, you don’t get a Santa meets the elderly they rather get forgotten it should be more inclusive for all ages