Santa Claus Parade (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)Santa Claus Parade (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
London

Santa Claus is coming to town afterall

While all parades have been cancelled in London for the rest of the year, that isn't stopping Santa Claus from bringing his traditional festive cheer to the Forest City.

After the City of London announced it would no longer be issuing permits for parades for the remainder of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it appeared the annual London Santa Claus Parade would not be able to proceed as planned. However, organizers have announced that the 64th edition of the parade will move forward on November 14, but with a few major changes.

"We had a feeling it might get cancelled so we had a contingency plan in place, which is what we're going to go with," said Shaun Merton, the parade's executive director.

Merton said the parade, which normally attracts hundreds of people to downtown London, will not be held on city streets but instead in a large open space, where social distancing can be controlled. Visitors will drive by a static parade display in their own vehicles.

"It's going to be more like a drive-thru," he said. "You're going to drive in one entrance and go past the parade and then go out the other way. And then drop your food off to the [London] Food Bank on your way through."

It is unknown how many floats will be present at the parade and a location has yet to be determined, however, Merton said it will take place on private property. He added that all COVID-19 guidelines will be followed and all parade spectators must wear masks during the event unless they are in their own vehicle.

Those who are unable to attend will be able to watch the parade online through a live stream of the event.

For more information on the London Santa Claus Parade, click here.

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