Chesterfield woman's ‘Banta with Santa’ idea beats the bug to bring Father Christmas to you this festive season

Christmas is going to be very different this year.
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The coronavirus crisis has affected almost every aspect of 2020, and the festive season looks like it too will be hit by the pandemic.

Christmas bubbles will be formed to allow families to be together for a few days over the festive period but it’ll be far from normal.

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And it also means children might miss out on lots of the things they would normally do at this time of year - like meeting Father Christmas.

Banta with Santa: Have a live Zoom call with Father Christmas.Banta with Santa: Have a live Zoom call with Father Christmas.
Banta with Santa: Have a live Zoom call with Father Christmas.

However, thanks to a new idea from 23-year-old professional performer Ruby Payne, all might not be lost.

Ruby has studied musical theatre since the age of four, and has been working professionally since leaving university in 2018.

Due to the pandemic, the theatre and entertainment industry have suffered enormously throughout 2020 with many performers and musicians not knowing when they will be able to work again.

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But Ruby, who comes from Chesterfield, is hoping to keep the magic of Christmas alive.

Banta with Santa: You can also get Santa's elves to perform for you in your own garden.Banta with Santa: You can also get Santa's elves to perform for you in your own garden.
Banta with Santa: You can also get Santa's elves to perform for you in your own garden.

She would normally be entertaining children and families in Lapland at this time of year, but due to travel restrictions will be bringing the North Pole to people’s homes via the magic of Zoom.

‘Banta with Santa’ allows children and families to experience a live ‘Zoom’ chat with Santa Claus and his cheeky elves in the safety and comfort of your own home.

In addition, you can arrange for a couple of Santa’s cheeky elves to sing, dance and have festive fun in your very own garden - all fully socially-distanced of course.

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She said: “I didn’t want any of the children or families to miss out on the magical experience of speaking to Santa Claus this year - it’s been a challenging year already, and I wanted it to finish on a high note for the families.”

Banta with Santa: Have a live Zoom call with Father Christmas.Banta with Santa: Have a live Zoom call with Father Christmas.
Banta with Santa: Have a live Zoom call with Father Christmas.

This experience is available throughout December.

Also, if anyone knows a particularly deserving family whose 2020 has been extra difficult, you can nominate them for some Christmas magic at [email protected].

To find out more or book, visit www.bantawithsanta.co.uk.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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