Father Christmas will once again return to the city's streets as he leaves his sleigh and reindeer at home in favour of a bus.
The annual open-top Santa Bus will visit scores of roads in the area between November 25 and December 22, blasting out Christmas music and spreading the festive spirit.
There will be collections for local good causes. Among the beneficiaries this year are Martlets hospice in Hove, Chestnut Tree House children's hospice in Angmering and Possability People, the Brighton disability charity.
Alison Taylor, corporate fundraising manager of Chestnut Tree House, said: “Being part of the Santa Bus 2022 means so much to all of the children and families we support throughout Sussex and south east Hampshire.
“It will enable us to raise much-needed funds and awareness within the community. Thank you so much to everyone who supports the Santa Bus year after year.”
The bus, organised by Brighton and Hove Buses with The Argus as its media partner, will allow children to see Santa from the top deck of the open top bus. The vehicle is adorned with over 10,000 lights powered by an on-board alternator feed.
Instead of the door-to-door bucket collections there have been in the past, the event involves on-street collections.
And local businesses are being asked to sign up as Santa Bus collection points in support of the 12 chosen charities. To find out how to register and see a list of routes the Santa Bus covers, visit: www.buses.co.uk/santabus. It’s quick and easy to do, and every participating organisation will receive a collection bucket and poster and appear on the bus company’s Santa Bus map on the website.
READ MORE: Brighton's Christmas lights begin to be put up
The Santa Bus has raised over £350,000 for charity since the event was first launched in 2003. Next year’s event will be the 20th anniversary of the bus.
The new form of raising money, which was first adopted last year, will become a permanent staple of the event after its success in 2021.
Ed Wills, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “The Santa Bus is only possible with the generosity and support of local businesses, organisations, and everyone who volunteers and donates.
“Signing up to be a Santa Bus collection point couldn’t be easier, and we’re really looking forward to increasing the number of collections points this year. We owe a huge thank you to our customers and local communities for all their help and support.”
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