HUNDREDS of children braved the cold weather at Pontypool over the weekend as the Shell Grotto was opened for a Christmas-themed celebration.
Pontypool Park Friends held the third annual Christmas grotto on Sunday with an estimated 700 people in attendance – making it the most well-attended in the event’s short history.
The grotto, decorated with shells and animal bones on the interior, is believed to be the best surviving grotto in Wales.
Volunteers from Pontypool Park Friends were responsible for arranging the entertainment for guests, which included face painting, showcased animals from Cwmbran’s Greenmeadow Community Farm, a performance by the Salvation Army Band, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. Organisers also provided free warm drinks and food for those queuing to see Santa in the cold.
Jeannette Fry, secretary of Pontypool Park Friends, said: “The main aim of it is for people to see the wonderful grotto we have here because when it is decorated inside it is really spectacular.
“It’s quite unique and we’ve had such wonderful feedback.”
Although entry was free, organisers kindly asked visitors to donate towards the event’s costs and managed to raise around £500, which was also helped by a raffle held on the day.
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