[K]eswick Live Advent gets under way with a bang (or is it a splash?) at noon on December 1st with the 3rd Annual Santa Boat Race on Derwentwater.
Taking place at the Keswick boat landings, teams of Santas and elves will battle it out to claim the coveted “Santa Cruz” trophy. The Lake District Calvert Trust team, the Little Crosthwaite Chargers, were last years winners and will be back again this year hoping to retain their title. Justin Farnan, Business Manager for the Lake District Calvert Trust said “the ‘Santa Cruz’ Turkey Trophy has its place on our Trophy Shelf and it will not be relinquished lightly… “ Fighting talk indeed.
Organised by Keswick Tourism Association and Allerdale Borough Council the Keswick Live Advent involves the lighting of an advent window each day in December as well as a festive event. Keswick Tourism Associations Tourism Manager, Vanessa Metcalfe, commented “We have been absolutely delighted this year with the enthusiasm of businesses in the town, some of whom contacted us as early as August to secure their date. There are several new window venues this year and there is a really great mix of events. It continues to go from strength to strength and is now a firm favourite in the Christmas event calendar.”
There are plenty of events for the children, such as a magical reading of the Secret Garden, a visit to see Santa, an interactive reading of The Highway Rat, things to make and do, a special panto and the Thwaites Brewery Shire Horses will be making an appearance again. Other events include food tastings, mulled wine, a beer tasting, Christmas music and singing and even a festive run for those who are feeling energetic. Full details of all of the events can be found at visitkeswick.com/keswick-live-advent.
Joe Broomfield, Allerdale Borough Council, added “We look forward to welcoming both residents and visitors to this years Live Advent. There is definitely something there for everyone.”
