Santa takes the plunge ar Blue Reef Aquarium
A scuba-diving Santa Claus will be taking the plunge at Hastings’ Blue Reef Aquarium in the run up to Christmas.
The fearless Father Christmas will be braving the depths on Saturday, December 11th and Saturday, December 18th , with help from local dive club ‘Exclusively Scuba’, as part of a series of festive-themed events at the aquarium.
The sub-aquatic Saint Nick will be sharing the giant tropical ocean display with a variety of sharks, rays and hundreds of brightly coloured reef fish.
Blue Reef’s Kate Buss said: “Several metres underwater may not be the first place you’d expect to come face to face with Father Christmas.
“It just goes to show there really isn’t anywhere Santa can’t deliver presents – and it’s certainly a lot warmer than the North Pole!
“Judging from the reaction we’ve already had from staff we’re hoping our scuba-diving Santa to make a real splash with visitors of all ages.
“We’re not sure if it’s because of his bright red coat but the sharks and other fish do seem to be rather curious and about this new arrival and tend to follow him around the display which makes for some spectacularly close encounters for Santa,” she added.
As well as scuba-diving Santa, the aquarium has also set up a 12 Fishy Days of Christmas trail around the displays. Based on the famous yuletide rhyme, the fishy version includes everything from ‘a puffer fish in a coral tree’ to ‘seven seahorse swimming’!
On both Sundays prior to Christmas (December 12th and 19th) local ceramic painting café – Made With Love – will be running a workshop in the café.
As part of the workshops visitors will have the option to paint a festive tree decoration and decorate Christmas gifts. Once finished the items will be professionally fired in their shop, so that the decorations last forever. There will be a small fee to purchase the finished items.
Blue Reef’s Paul Howard said: “Having Debbie from ‘Made With Love’ here will be the perfect opportunity for visitors to express their artistic side and create a lasting memento and great gifts for friends and family.”