Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and the Royal Arcade are joining together to bring children a festive treat this Christmas.

From Friday 1 December, the Royal Arcade will feature a Santa’s post office façade and children are invited to post their Christmas wish lists and letters to Santa.  All letters received before 17 December will receive a reply.

This year the Royal Arcade has been transformed into a stunning wonderland full of glittering Christmas trees and garlands of letters hanging from the decorative Art Noveau ceiling.

Hannah Petch, Surveying Executive of JLL (Managing agent of the Royal Arcade) said, “The Royal Arcade has always been a fascinating place, with stunning and timeless architecture framing the modern and varied shops situated within the mall. This Christmas, and with the clever inspiration of Berry’s & Grey and Norwich BID, it has been transformed into a magical place where children can post their Christmas wish lists to Santa Claus himself and each and every child will receive a reply”.

Festivities in the Royal Arcade get under way on Friday 1 December at 4.30pm with music and entertainment from A Christmas Carol the Musical by Planet Productions. There will be an olde world Dickensian feel to the scene featuring the Christmas Carol cart straight from the set whilst Scrooge himself will be on hand to entertain with a rendition from the show about the meaning of Christmas. There will be a performance of Hear the Bells by the cast followed by humbugs and candy canes for all!

To receive a special free response from Santa Claus, children simply need to bring their letter (including return address) along to the Royal Arcade and post it into Santa’s post box (the old Colman’s Mustard Shop) before 17 December.

Martin Blackwell, Business and Operations Manager, Norwich BID said, “We are honoured to be working with the Royal Arcade on this new Christmas initiative.  The Royal Arcade is a stunning building and even more so at Christmastime and we can’t wait to see children bring their letters to the special post box”.

The BID has also worked with Castle Mall to create a similar initiative in the shopping centre, where the former Startrite store has been given a post office facade.

The vibrant Royal Arcade is full of endless shopping possibilities from; stunning home wares, clothing and footwear, toys, jewellery, fine art and indulgent sweet treats. It’s also the perfect place to unwind, and relax with a coffee.

Norwich has a rich and interesting history, and is widely regarded as one of the top shopping destinations in the UK. With its winding cobbled streets, bustling market atmosphere, a tremendous myriad of shops and some excellent places to eat and drink, it’s easy to see why hundreds of thousands return to Norwich each year for their Christmas shopping.

 

About Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) www.norwichbid.co.uk

Established in November 2012, the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is run for local businesses by local businesses.  It is a simple, tried and tested way of increasing economic prosperity for companies of all sizes through collaboration.  The BID covers a defined area of Norwich where businesses plan how to improve their trading environment, identifying additional projects and services that develop the city centre and trade.

About the Royal Arcade www.royalarcadenorwich.co.uk

The Royal Arcade is one of the most beautiful covered shopping streets in the country.  This oasis of calm is one of Norwich’s hidden treasures, packed with classic and independent boutiques.  The Arcade is so much more than a landmark, sitting proudly as the Jewel in the Norwich crown.

Designed by George Skipper, Norwich’s best known and most original architect, the Royal Arcade was opened on 24 May 1899 by city dignitaries.

About Plant Productions and A Christmas Carol the Musical

A Christmas Carol the Musical by Planet Theatre Productions runs from 20 to 31 December 2017 at 2.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm. Performances take places at the Fringe theatre location of The Robert Daynes sports centre at Norwich School, off Tombland, in central Norwich, NR1 4DD.

On 23^rd December there will be a Victorian Father Christmas from 12.30 – 2pm.

From the composer of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid and the hit musical film The Little Shop of Horrors, comes this lavish, thrilling Broadway adaptation.

With musicals numbers such as ‘A Jolly Good Time’, ‘A Place Called Home’, ‘Link by Link’ and ‘A Christmas Together’ you’ll be guaranteed to laugh, cry and be dancing in the aisles! This family friendly production features a live band, music, dance and drama giving the audience an immersive experience whilst enjoying a traditional story with all the trimmings, making it a must see production. Director Peter Beck is ‘excited to be bringing the team together again for everyone who loves a family show to get them in the mood for Christmas.  The show will be popular for all ages, and with the added value of a visit from Father Christmas this is one not to miss’. Prices range from £10 – £15.

To book tickets, and for more information, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk