The seasonal spectacle has become a proper local institution
Fern Centre volunteers and St John’s Garden Centre staff at the unveiling of this year’s Santa Band display.
(Credit: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity)
A much-loved festive tradition is making spirits bright once again, with St John’s Garden Centre unveiling its annual Santa Band display – complete with animatronic Santas, festive tunes, and a sleigh led by Rudolph.
The seasonal spectacle, located at the Newport branch in Barnstaple, has become a local institution over the years, drawing generations of families and raising thousands of pounds for local causes.
This year, funds raised from the display will support the Fern Centre, a cancer and wellbeing support facility at North Devon District Hospital run by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.
Jason Mellett, co-owner of St John’s Garden Centres, said: “Our Santa Bands are such a big part of Christmas here at St John’s. Every year, visitors come in specially to see the new displays – complete with animatronics, festive music, and that classic nostalgic feel.
“This year’s display is definitely our best yet. Our maintenance manager John Hartford has worked incredibly hard to bring it all together, and the results have truly paid off.”
Visitors at the unveiling were treated to complimentary mince pies and mulled wine, while volunteers and staff from the Fern Centre were on hand to share information about the services they offer to people in North Devon affected by cancer.
Julie Whitton, community fundraiser for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Santa Band at the Barnstaple St John’s will be supporting the Fern Centre this Christmas.
“The centre opened in 2020 following a £1.5 million fundraising appeal and Royal Devon Hospitals Charity continues to raise the money needed to cover the centre’s annual running costs.
“Every note the Santa Band plays this Christmas will be helping the Fern Centre to offer a whole range of free counselling, complementary therapies, information, support groups and wellbeing support to North Devon cancer patients and their families.”
Co-owner Mark Toon said the Fern Centre was chosen after a public nomination process. “The response was fantastic and the Fern Centre received an incredible number of nominations,” he said.
“We know just how much their support means to people across North Devon and are really looking forward to rallying support for the cause this Christmas and helping raise funds for the vital work they do.”
Meanwhile, the Ashford branch of St John’s Garden Centre will be using its own Santa Band display to raise funds for North Devon Against Domestic Abuse.
As part of the festive programme, Santa officially arrived at the Barnstaple centre on Friday, November 28. The grotto will open on selected dates from through to Christmas Eve.
In preparation for the big man’s visit, the centre’s JungleLand attraction is being transformed into a winter wonderland, with lights, photo opportunities, and the ever-popular big red chair. At the Ashford centre, children can also enjoy breakfast with Santa on selected days.
“Christmas at St John’s is always such a special time, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops,” added Mark Toon.
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