Autism-friendly Santa's Grotto in Bodmin: 'everyone is welcome'
This weekend, the sold-out ticket-only event is running for youngsters with additional needs in mind
This year's Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto for those with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) is back at Castle Canyke.
It all started back in 2018, when organiser Kat Blight couldn't find anywhere to take her autistic son to - and so decided to found her own Santa's grotto, and did it in just the space of one month.
Four years on, and it's still going strong, and this weekend sees the return of the (sold out) Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto in Bodmin.
It even ran during covid times: with last year's grotto a little chillier than usual, to account for social distancing rules.
Kat said: "We managed to host a grotto last year - but we totally reduced the numbers. The hall was very cold because we'd opened the doors, and made sure the windows were open - it was freezing!
"Everyone was so amazing last year, though, because people were still wearing masks, and if they were feeling poorly, they wouldn't come - but we made sure children still received their gift.
"We actually did personalised videos from Santa last year!"
Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto
The passion project makes for an emotional time in the Grotto for Kat and the other directors - who quite literally make the magic happen for those who may never else have experience meeting Santa.
Kat reminisced: "I get so emotional because parents will come to me and they'll say, 'Oh, my child has never managed to see Santa before,' or, 'They really struggled with grottos last year'.
"Last year, a non-verbal gentleman actually said his first word - which was 'Wow!' - and it was for this and many other reasons I spent most of last year crying actually."
This year, Kat and her team are trying to keep prices at a rate for people to afford, as the country battles with a cost of living crisis.
This year alone, she says they've also struggled with funding - but kind donations from locals has made the 2022 Grotto happen.
Now having run for four years, Kat and her group want to expand - and are currently applying for the organisation to become a CIC (a kind of social enterprise) which could unlock access to more funding, and help them host a range of other events throughout the year.
But for now, and looking ahead, there is no rest for these Elves.
Kat added: "We literally started in January, until we got to where we find ourselves now. We never finish - but it's totally worth it.
"A lot of people who have come here in the past have said that the best thing about it is there's no judgement - and we make sure there's absolutely no rush for the kids, too, and that's what it's all about.
"But without my family and without all my volunteers and friends supporting me, this wouldn't be going ahead at all - so thank you."
The event (as of Friday, December 9) was sold-out, but check their Facebook page for the latest updates.
If there are any tickets left, it'll cost £3 to enter, where the children get to see Santa, get a gift, and receive a craft bag, reindeer food, and a letter from Santa.
For those who visit, Kat also says there is a 'surprise' in store - as the team are doing nothing they ever have before.
Kat also wanted to make a quick mention to Santa in the photos - who was the Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto's very first Santa. Unfortunately, he’s had to take a step back from doing 'Santa duties' - but wanted to say a huge 'thank you' to him and to all their other Santas who have stepped in his very big boots.
You can also get in touch with the team here.