On December 5, Clifton Councillors together with some volunteers dressed up as inflatable festive characters to spread Christmas cheer to local families.
Each year in Clifton, Silverdale and Wilford Local Award Councillors fund Christmas events across the area. Due to Covid-19, all close contact events had to be cancelled, so the Councillors got together to find an alternative and safe way of spreading much needed Christmas spirit in Clifton.
Cllr Maria Watson said, “In a time of uncertainty and sadness due to the loss of loved ones through COVID, isolation and the effect of mental illness that these continued lockdowns are having, we wanted to put smiles on people’s faces, it’s as simple as that.”
The Clifton Independent Councillors purchased the inflatable costumes and used part of their ward budget to hire a street entertainment crew.
On Saturday December 5, the event began at Wilford at 12noon, the parade then walked to Silverdale and the day ended at their destination in Barton Green, Clifton at 6pm.
Cllr Watson continued, “Families watched from their gardens and windows, cheers went up as we passed streets, Christmas music was being played from within people’s homes, some families walked to opposite street corners to watch us walk by.
“We had 6 hours of attendance from the local Police and CPOs who we are very grateful for keeping us safe as we crossed roads and to make sure social distancing was observed, also with us was South Notts Community First Responder.
“Local Cllr’s and volunteers stepped into the inflatables to spread a little cheer and bring smiles to children and families.
“Clifton, Silverdale and Wilford are wonderful communities and to see so many watch the parade from within their homes was truly wonderful. Hopefully next Christmas we can resume our outdoor events.
“On behalf of myself Cllr Watson as well as Cllr Clarke, Cllr Jones, Cllr Rule and Cllr Steel, thank you to everyone who watched the parade.”
