Christmas has well and truly arrived in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters with plenty of events, attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy.
“Christmas is always a wonderful time in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and although it looks a little different this year, I believe our community spirit is as strong as ever and will ensure our City continues to shine bright through the Festive season,” said Mayor Robert Bria.
Despite cancellation of the iconic Norwood Christmas Pageant due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on public gatherings, the Council is offering a range of other events, attractions and activities.
“This Saturday night, Norwood Oval will host more than 1,100 people for a free screening of the popular Christmas movie, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’.”
Due to limited capacity and in accordance with current State Government restrictions and health guidelines, bookings for Movie on the Oval are essential and can be made through the Council’s website.
“The health and well-being of everyone in our community is a priority for the Council and we ask that everyone adheres to physical distancing and health guidelines at all Council events and attractions,” says Mayor Robert Bria.
For the first time, the Council has worked closely with local traders to develop a digital Advent Calendar filled with daily special offers and discounts.
“If you needed any more reasons to shop local this Christmas then this is it—our local traders have really come to the Christmas table with fantastic offers and I can’t stress the importance of throwing support behind our local businesses enough.”
In another first, the Council has embraced augmented reality technology to bring Santa and his friends out of isolation at the North Pole and to The Parade, Norwood.
“I am really excited that the Council is taking bold steps and exploring new technologies to bring unique experiences to people of all ages.”
“With limited and restricted Christmas events and activities this year, it’s great to see children in particular, already exploring the pop-up animations and having a photo with Santa.”
The augmented reality animations can be found by using the free Arloopa app at four locations along The Parade, indicated with a footpath decal featuring a QR code.
Once again, the Council’s Libraries are running a program of Christmas activities and events including a free Christmas movie screening and craft workshops.
Residents of Ninth Avenue have once again adorned their homes with annual Christmas light displays — which over the years has become a popular attraction and helped to build a strong community spirit.
“This installation, as well as all other Christmas light displays across our City, will be a sign of hope, and a source of happiness for locals and visitors alike.”
There’s plenty more to explore at the annual Festive Gallery on Osmond which will be complemented by collection of Norwood Christmas Pageant floats located on Osmond Terrace.
“The Festive Gallery on Osmond is a great example of the Council collaborating with local schools and children to create a popular destination for residents and visitors during the festive season,” said Mayor Bria.
“However, we know that Christmas can be difficult for some, so the Council is again collecting books as part of the Give the Gift of Reading initiative.”
The community is encouraged to donate books, colouring or activity packs at the Norwood Town Hall and Council Libraries which will be gifted to children in need through Backpacks for SA Kids, as well as donate non-perishable food to the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul on The Parade, Norwood.
As we prepare to celebrate with family and loved ones, Mayor Robert Bria encourages everyone to continue to show kindness to others.
“This has been a tough year—where possible, take the time to reach out to members of our community experiencing isolation, loneliness and hardship. A smile, a wave or an unexpected helping hand can make all the difference to someone’s day.”
