Review launched into changes to Great Aycliffe Santa Tours

Great Aycliffe Town Council announced in November that it will be making ‘necessary’ changes to the beloved six-decade Christmas tradition, to make the event “safer, more reliable, and more accessible to everyone.”

The tours went ahead on Christmas Eve after extensive deliberations last year, with a revised ‘hybrid model’ to meet updated safety and insurance requirements.

Archive picture of the Aycliffe Santa Tour (Image: Aycliffe Town Council)

In previous years, Santa would tour every street in the Great Aycliffe area, stopping to greet children and their families – an event which was greatly anticipated by residents every year.

But the news – which appeared in the media before councillors had agreed a final position – sparked anger among volunteers and families who fear the magic could be lost.

The issue was debated at a meeting at Great Aycliffe Town Council on November 28, which was attended by dozens of members of the public.

No resolution was made, and the meeting was postponed following a heated debate, which sparked outrage from hundreds of residents the week prior.

Councillors later reached a unanimous decision on a new compromised solution, introducing designated meeting points in the town, including five routes using only council-owned vehicles.

The council's head of leisure, Judith Thexton said the changes to the Santa Tours were “necessary”.

Santa tours meeting at Newton Aycliffe town council. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

She said previously: “The councillors were in full agreement that the changes were necessary for health and safety reasons following past incidents, and that a full review of the Santa Tours will take place early next year, which will include members of the public.”

Previous incidents include near misses with cars, verbal abuse and even Santa being pelted with stones and cans by youths.

This is not the first time the Santa Tours has faced an overhaul in the town.

In 2018 councillors floated the idea of designated stops rather than Santa visiting streets directly but backed down after a packed public meeting.

Santa tours meeting at Newton Aycliffe town council. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Today, (January 23), the town council announced they are now looking for volunteers and members of the public to serve on the new Santa Tours sub committee.

The sub committee will be looking at the changes made to the event last year, including what went well, what did not, and to look at options for improving this year’s event.

A spokesperson from the Town Council said: “The Town Council is keen to undertake a review of the much-loved Santa Tours event, to look at options for improving this year’s event and making it as magical and accessible as possible.

“We need your help to do this and are looking for volunteers and members of the public to serve on a new Santa Tours Sub Committee.

“Your feedback and ideas will be crucial to shaping the future of this iconic event so please consider putting your name forward.”

An initial review of the event will be held by the Council’s Service Review Sub-Committee on Wednesday, February 4, at 7pm at the Council Offices.

To join the sub committee, get in touch via the Council by ringing 01325 300700 or emailing info@great-aycliffe.gov.uk.