Christmas foodbank appeal from Mercia

MERCIA Marina is doing its best to help South Derbyshire CVS Foodbank appeal.

The ‘Can for Christmas’ campaign by Mercia Marina hopes to see visitors to its Christmas lights display, Santa’s Grotto, and Christmas late-night shopping event and bring a can of food for the South Derbyshire CVS Foodbank appeal.

This initiative aims to provide much-needed resources to those in the community who need it most during the festive season.

Santa's Grotto free of charge

Santa will be seeing everyone at his marina grotto on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th  of December between 11am and 4pm. Santa’s Grotto is free of charge, no booking is required, and you might even receive a free present! With Tony Preston Sales and Marketing Manager, enthusing:

"The magical time of year quickly approaches and at Mercia Marina this means the transformation to a destination of amazement and illumination as tens of thousands of lights are put up and many of the canal boats and holiday lodges put out their best Christmas display to dazzle Derbyshire and beyond.

"No Christmas display is complete without the big red fella himself and this year the free Santa’s Grotto is asking for kind donations from those who ‘can’.

"To add an extra layer of delight, Santa has chartered the Mercia Swan, offering special Christmas canal cruises to visitors (at a cost). Upon their return, Santa has more surprises in store, with delightful tunes playing, boat trips running, and a stress-free shopping experience lit up, well, like a Christmas tree. Independent shops will welcome customers with open doors, providing a hassle-free Christmas shopping experience without the burden of parking fees or entry charges. Rediscover the magic of Christmas at Mercia, where it's more than just a marina.

"With so much happening in the world, from worry to doubt, debt, and crisis, we aim to lift spirits as high as possible. Our free grotto, where Santa and his elves bring smiles to all, is a testament to that. This year, Santa is also bringing his seasonal sea legs with Christmas canal cruises happening on grotto weekends, offering an experience like no other. We hope everyone will contribute by bringing a tin of food to fill Santa’s sleigh for the South Derbyshire CVS foodbank at a time when it's needed most. Seeing the joy on the faces of visitors, especially the children, as they experience the lights is simply heart-warming. We wish all our visitors a magical Christmas."

On Saturday 2nd December shops, retailers, cafes and restaurants are staying open until 8pm for a special evening of late-night shopping.