'Unique' Christmas grotto for children with special needs coming to city

Paul McAuley

14 November 2024 at 11:24 am·1-min read

The grotto will be returning to a school in Wavertree at the end of this month — -Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

A unique sensory Grotto is coming to Merseyside this festive season. As part of Wavertree’s Royal School for the Blind annual winter festival, children will be able to meet Santa Claus.

The grotto is designed especially for those with special educational needs who may find other venues too noisy, bright, or overwhelming. The child will be able to interact with Father Christmas as he reads a story and hands out presents.

This year’s story will be ‘Stick Man,’ read by the Elves 'visiting from the North Pole'. There will also be an opportunity for a family photo in the Christmas booth, where dogs are also welcomed.

Head of the school, Vicki Dwyer, told the ECHO: "Coming up to its eighth year of running, the Royal School for the Blind is excitedly preparing for its annual Winter Festival. All the staff and pupils are gearing up for a fun-filled day of Christmas shopping, games and meeting the main man, 'the real' Santa in the Sensory Grotto.”

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 10am to 2pm at the school. The free festival will have over 30 stalls from local businesses and enterprises selling vintage items, preloved and new clothes and all matter of crafts and toys. There is also said to be a selection of food and drink, including Indian food items, carnival foods and the school’s café for drinks and pastries.

There is a number of other magical grottos appearing in Merseyside which you can find here. Alternatively, you can keep up to day with the ECHO's coverage of festival events in general here.

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