12 Nov The magic of Christmas begins at Southend’s Royals Shopping Centre
The magic of Christmas begins at Southend’s Royals Shopping Centre this month with loads of free festive fun, as we begin our countdown to the big day in December!
Like baubles, bubbles and Bublé, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without well-loved favourites, so The Royals is bringing back some of its seasonal smash hits, in the form of its giant reindeer, popular choir performances and remarkable, lifelike polar bear.
The Yuletide celebrations begin on Monday 12th November, with the return of the huge Royals Reindeer and then on Saturday 17th November, as part of Southend’s annual Christmas lights BIG Switch On, there will be a whole host of free, family-focused activities at the shopping centre.
Treat your little elves to free fun, games, arts and crafts workshops, singalong sessions and face painting between 11am-4pm. The Royals very own cuddly king of Christmas cheer, Ryan the Lion, will be available for hugs, high-fives and selfies to make the day all the more memorable.
Also, there will be a chance to meet the enchanting polar bear. The eight-foot tall puppet always causes a sensation as it gently strolls around, pausing for photos and to let children stroke its fur and have a cuddle.
The polar bear has featured in videos for Greenpeace, films and on stage at the National Theatre. Inside the incredibly realistic costume are two highly-skilled actors and the effect they create is so lifelike that you really will feel that you are in the presence of one of these magnificent creatures.
The Royals’ chosen charity of the year is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), who will be collecting change on the day, so please do give generously to this worthy cause.
Just outside the centre, in Royals Square, BBC Essex is hosting a showcase of the very best local talent, with live music performed by up-and-coming bands, duos and solo performers. Join Ian Wyatt and Steve Scrutton from 12-8pm.
