Christmas arrives in Birmingham as Santa’s grotto returns

Childrens charity to benefit from festive fun.

Birmingham’s House of Fraser will be bringing festive cheer to boys and girls across the region this Christmas with the arrival of Santa’s magical grotto.

Welcoming children and their families from Saturday 28th November all the way up until Christmas Eve, the grotto will feature traditional style shop fronts from yesteryear as well as a log cabin for Father Christmas and his mischievous elves. What’s more, a range of children’s activities will run throughout the grotto’s duration, including watching festive movies, Christmas card making, bracelet making and colouring competitions.

Built entirely by dedicated volunteers from House of Fraser’s team, all proceeds from the grotto will go to Harry Moseley’s charity, Help Harry Help Others.

Harry Moseley died from a brain tumour in October 2011 at the age of 11. While bravely battling his cancer, he generously raised money to help others by making and selling bracelets. His mum Georgie set up the charity in memory of Harry and continues to raise money for those whose lives have been affected by the disease.

Georgie Moseley, Harry Moseley’s mum and founder of Help Harry Help Others, comments: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year for children and it’s great to see House of Fraser bringing Christmas to life through the Grotto. I am truly grateful for their help as the funds will go towards providing support and care for children and families affected by cancer via our Drop In Cancer Support Centre which opened in May 2015.”

Nirmal Madahar, Store Manager at House of Fraser Birmingham, said: “Georgie Moseley and Help Harry Help Others do such a phenomenal job and help so many people so we are delighted to be working with them for the third year running. We hope that the money raised through the Grotto will continue to aid the work they do. The House of Fraser grotto is a truly unique and magical experience for the whole family.”

The House of Fraser grotto is a key feature of the city’s Christmas shopping experience and forms part of Retail Birmingham’s Christmas campaign, aimed at showcasing Birmingham’s impressive collection of shops. Birmingham Community Gospel Choir, winners of BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2015, will perform the soundtrack for the campaign, and TV personality Adil Ray will provide the voiceover for the radio promotions.

Steve Hewlett, BID Manager at Retail Birmingham, said: “We’re pulling out all the stops to ensure shoppers enjoy Christmas in the city. House of Fraser’s grotto will provide a fantastic Christmas attraction for kids and adults alike as well as supporting and raising money for a charity close to all of our hearts.”

The grotto will be situated on the fifth floor of House of Fraser on Corporation Street. Entry fee for the grotto is £5 per person. The grotto will be open from 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sundays until Christmas Eve. Tickets can be purchased from any of the Homewear and Childrenswear till points in store.