Calling festive ‘Dashers’! Family Santa Dash launches in Portishead

Santa Claus’ will take over Portishead on December 16th, when families are invited to the town’s very first Family Santa Dash.

The brand new event is aimed at the whole family (and family pets!) who are all invited to dress up as Santa and walk around the Lakegrounds in Portishead.

The Family Santa Dash is a 2km festive walk beginning on the Esplanade, raising funds for local children’s hospice at home charity Jessie May. Tickets are £3, and you can now pre-register your place for the Dash online here.

The event been organised by members of Gordano Breakfast Rotary who meet fortnightly for breakfast, fellowship and for the benefit of the local community. 

Jane Dyer, who chairs the Rotary group’s special Dash Committee, said: “The Santa Dash has been developed by the Rotary to bring an extra level of festive family fun! 

“We are so excited to bring this event to Portishead and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed up and joining together for this first ever Santa family fun walk.”

With performances from the local rock choir, special appearances from Sam FM’s Ian ‘Downsy’ Downs and charity raffles, the Santa Dash is more than just a walk. 

All profits made from the event will be donated to Jessie May, whose nurses provide hospice at home care to children with life limiting conditions, and their families. 

Helen Mackie, Community Fundraiser at Jessie May, said: “We’re thrilled to share that Santa Claus is coming to Portishead town! It’s safe to say there will be quite a few Santa sightings on December 16th. 

“The ‘Dash’ will begin on the Esplanade, near Café Lido, and end at the Café itself, with mince pies and a hot drink. The event is open to everyone – mums, dads, children and of course, Christmas elves! This is not a race, so all our ‘Dashers’ can get festive and get involved, while donning a Santa hat, or entire costume – or Christmassy jumper! 

“So dress up and get ready to ho ho ho! The first every Portishead Santa Dash promises to be a fantastic day for the whole family – and also impact on the families our nurses are currently supporting. We’re hugely grateful Gordano Breakfast Rotary have offered all profits from the event to our charity – what a wonderful early Christmas present!” 

The Portishead Santa Dash takes place at 11am on Sunday 16th December, starting at The Esplanade in Portishead. Entry to the event is £3 per person (under 3’s go free). You can turn up and pay on the day, or pre-register your place here.

As the Rotary Club is raising funds for Jessie May, they are asking each family taking part to aim to raise sponsorship of at least £25/family. You need to book your place on the Rotary’s page first and then sign up as a fundraiser on Jessie May’s Virgin Money Giving site here. 

To find out more about Jessie May and the work its nurses do locally, visit: www.jessiemay.org.uk