A HYDE village is already gearing up for a sweet celebration full of festive fun and community spirit.
Gee Cross will see the return of the Gingerbread Trail this Christmas and there will be a special guest in attendance too.
Despite his busy schedule, Santa has pledged to be in his grotto at Gee Cross Community Centre on Wych Fold between midday and 3pm on Sunday, December 21.
Although there will be no Christmas Tree Festival in Hyde Chapel this year, the Christmas Tree Festival committee in collaboration with Hyde Werneth councillors Phil Chadwick and Chris Halligan have been busy preparing for the trail – with the first one last year hailed a success.
As well as gingerbread characters being hidden in the village for kids to find, there will be an arts and crafts table at the community centre; a children’s photo booth; a raffle and bottle tombola; and refreshments.
To add to the festive cheer, Hyde Little Theatre’s Young Voices will be performing Christmas carols.
Local businesses have also got involved to support the event, including Nemos Garage in Hyde donating 200 selection boxes and Jardine Estates providing gingerbread biscuits, Christmas pencils and activity books for children to enjoy.
This year’s event will also raise money for Mentell in Hyde – a charity supporting men’s mental health, a cause close to the hearts of many in the community.
“Many people at last year’s Gingerbread Trail and the Easter egg hunt this year wanted to make a donation which we were glad to accept and those donations went to put this event on,” said organisers.
“However this year we have decided that we will be raising money to go towards men’s mental health and have chosen Mentell Hyde as our chosen charity this year. We’d like to thank Jo Mellor for dropping off the donation bucket.
“This year has been a really tough year for our village and anything we can do to support our residents, we will.”
Santa’s Grotto will be £2.50 per child, with only cash payments able to be accepted.
Anyone who would like to find out more or support the event can visit the event page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1486511529399376