A new virtual Zoom with Santa experience starring penguins has been launched from Westside to bring the magic of Christmas into family homes.
While Birmingham and the wider West Midlands has now entered the latest Tier 3-style of lockdown, the National Sea Life centre is the latest business we’re highlighting in our #WestsideStillWorking series.
Staff at the favourite visitor destination based at The Water’s Edge in Brindleyplace were determined not to let the pandemic spoil festivities and so have created the exciting new Zoom with Santa virtual experience.
Santa, his little helper Binky Tinselsmith and Sea Life’s cheeky penguins will use the latest technology to bring smiles to children’s faces by guiding them through a magical winter wonderland before enjoying a personalised meeting with the man himself.
The five-minute online experience, which launches this Saturday 5 December and runs through until Christmas Eve, will see little ones invited to chat directly with Santa in his cosy lodge and tell him their festive wishes.
A fun barometer will even confirm if Santa believes the children have made the naughty or good list.
Craig Dunkerley, who’s heading the launch of the new attraction for the National Sea Life brand, said: “The legend of Santa Claus is one that can be traced back hundreds of years.
“As a leading family attraction, we’re committed to providing incredible experiences and couldn’t allow the magic of Christmas to be broken.
“Zoom with Santa provides families with the opportunity to keep tradition alive and enjoy a Christmas grotto experience from the comfort and safety of their own home.
“It’s a different approach but one we’re confident children and grown-ups will love. Who wouldn’t like to enjoy a mince pie with Santa on their own sofa?”
Luisa Huggins, media and communications manager at Westside BID, said: “What a great way to celebrate Christmas by creating a virtual grotto to thrill children!
“This shows how hard staff at the National Sea Life centre are working, and reminds us that behind the scene there are also dozens of staff still working full-time to make sure all their fish and mammals remain safe and well during the Tier 3 lockdown.”
National Sea Life’s Zoom with Santa can be enjoyed by the whole family at £30 per experience, with no limit on the number of people that can join on screen.
This includes a complimentary pass to enjoy a physical visit to a National Sea Life centre to be used at a later date. ● Advance booking is recommended via www.visitsealife.com/events/uk/zoom-with-santa/
By Steve Dyson
