Fears reindeer wont be part of late night Christmas shopping in Uppingham

There are funding issues this year

Reindeer
Author: Andy MarshPublished 5th Sep 2024

There are fears late night Christmas shopping in Uppingham may have go ahead this year without the traditional reindeer.

The group that organises them says it's because their funding from the town council has been cut.

They believe that's due to Rutland County Council rules saying animals should not be used for entertainment.

Volunteers are now fundraising to make up the shortfall.

We've spoken to one of them - Paula Donaldson about the issue.

She told us: "I think it means keeping it traditional.

It's something we do here - it's magical and everybody - the whole community comes out at Christmas to celebrate this."

It's not about just making money

"It's all part of the magic."

"We use a reputable company to bring the reindeer and there are risk assessments."

"They're beautifully taken care of."

"This issue has never come up before with the council."

"It's not about just always making money in - that sounds greedy to me."

"We're not a profit making voluntary group we spend what we need to spend to put the event on for the town of Uppingham.

"Last week I put something out on our app to ask the people of Uppingham if they'd be willing to almost crowd fund for us to get the reindeer this year."

"The goal for the reindeer is 11 hundred pounds - currently we have £310 as of this morning.

Rutland County county council has been approached for comment.

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