Much-loved Haverhill Santa will ride again - but not just yet!

A popular Christmas fund-raiser in Haverhill that folded after 27 years, during which time it raised about £170,000 for charity, is to be revived.

After hearing last month that the Haverhill Santa previously organised by the Haverhill Round Table was to be cancelled, discussions between Joe Mason, chairman of the Haverhill Show, and Andy Palazon, lead organiser of the Disco Kitchen, took place to see how it could be saved.

Over the decades, Santa and his sleigh, plus his helpers, had toured the streets of Haverhill and nearby villages to entertain and collect money along the way for some good causes.

Andy said: “The Disco Kitchen group is extremely excited and proud to partner the Haverhill Show Committee to help re-establish this much-loved local Christmas tradition.

“With help from our amazing community we hope, together, to bring back smiles to many local Children for next Christmas (2022).”

The organisers have already received offers of help.

Drive Green Garage, run by local businessman Dave Wilson, has agreed to build a new sleigh.

Joe added: “It’s amazing the response we have had to us taking on this project.

“Andy and my committee are hugely appreciative of the offers of help we have received to help make this exciting event happen.

“Like the Haverhill Show, money raised by the sleigh will be shared between local charities and good causes who will be able to apply each year. Two of these will be the REACH Community Projects and the Joshua Tarrant Trust. “

The organisers are also very aware of the outstanding contribution the Haverhill Round Table has made over the last 25 years.

Local Disco Kitchen DJ and fund-raiser, Paul Firman, added: “I would like to thank the previous organisers for all their work over the years.

“I’m delighted the tradition of the Haverhill Santa has been saved and I can’t wait to get out there and spread some Christmas cheer.”

Treasurer of the Haverhill Show committee, Kelly Bennett, said: “It’s sad that this year the event won’t be happening, but this really feels wonderful knowing that the Haverhill community has come together to find a solution for 2022.

“I cant wait to see those smiles.”

Anyone wishing to find out about how to get involved in this event or the Haverhill Show should contact haverhillshow@outlook.com