Santa to personally receive Christmas letters

The free event will give children the unique opportunity of giving their Christmas letter to Santa in person when he visits the Guildhall to help raise money for the Mayor's chosen charities – Foyle Search and Rescue, and Children in Crossfire.

From 11am – 2pm, Santa will set up residence in the Mayor's parlour in the Guildhall to welcome boys and girls so that they can tell him firsthand what they would like for Christmas this year.

Organisers are encouraging those attending to bring along a camera so that they can capture the special moment.

Speaking ahead of his visit Santa said: "When the Mayor called to ask me to come along and help him to raise money for his chosen charities, I jumped at the chance to pay one of my favourite cities a visit.

"The boys and girls of the North West hold a very special place in my heart and I am very much looking forward to meeting them on Saturday and hearing what special gifts they would like this Christmas time."

Mayor Colum Eastwood said: "I was delighted that Santa accepted our invitation to help us raise money for these very worthy local charities.

"I'm sure we'll all have a very magical morning/ afternoon in the Guildhall this Saturday and look forward to welcoming you all there."

Admission to see Santa is free, all organizers are asking is that some small donation be made to the Mayor's Charity Appeal.

Tea/ Coffee and buns will be available and music will be provided by the Civic Youth Choir and St Anne's Primary School Choir under the direction of Donal Doherty.