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Skipton Santa Sleigh appeal launched as Rotary steps back

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 13:16

Santa's Sleigh.

Skipton residents are being asked to help keep the town's much-loved Santa Sleigh on the road after Skipton Craven Rotary announced it is stepping back from its long-running festive fundraising.

The Santa Sleigh has become a familiar sight around Skipton during the Christmas period, raising money for community charities and activities across the area.

Skipton Craven Rotary is now looking to hand the tradition over and is asking the local community to help ensure the sleigh can continue for years to come.

Skipton Step Into Action (SSIA) is inviting local people to find out more about how they could get involved.

The organisation says it is looking for people who may have time, ideas or simply a bit of Christmas spirit to help keep the sleigh moving.

An information event is being held at the Meeting Room on the first floor of Augment Community Workspace on High Street, Skipton.

Visitors will be able to meet members of SSIA, along with John Eddison from the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven.

John will explain how the Santa Sleigh has traditionally operated and what would be involved in helping to take the project forward.

The sleigh is more than a Christmas tradition, with money raised through its appearances helping to support community charities and activities across the Skipton area.

SSIA is therefore encouraging anyone interested in seeing the tradition continue to come along to the meeting and find out more.

A spokesperson said:

“Whether you can offer time, ideas, or a bit of Christmas spirit, we’d love to see you there.”

For anyone who has enjoyed seeing Santa and his sleigh making its way around the town over the years, this could be an opportunity to help keep a much-loved Skipton tradition alive.

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