THE stars of Poole’s panto will be joining in the Santa Parade along the quay this Sunday.

Fun-packed family panto Robin Hood is being staged at Lighthouse and CBBC’s Ed Petrie who plays Robin and his Maid Marion, Alicia Woodhouse will be joining Santa at Christmas on the Quay.

Following the cancellation of the traditional Dolphin Shopping Centre parade, they will be taking part in a smaller procession, rescued by the council with support from local businesses.

It will go from Corkers Restaurant to the Thistle Hotel, as part of the community event sponsored by Jenkins Marine from 4pm to 7pm.

Father Christmas will arrive at 4pm by RNLI lifeboat dressed in festive lights and the party will board the Land Train for a trip up and down the quay accompanied by TS Drax Sea Cadets Marching Band, Zumba Reindeer and Bournemouth Carnival Band plus helper elves.

Santa and his special visitors will walk along the quay meeting the crowds and giving out goodies donated by Sainsbury’s Poole and Poole Quay Tesco Express and independent shops Truly Scrumptious and The Cabin.

To entertain the crowds there will be stilt walkers, illuminated performers and fire performers with live music from Karl Lattimer. Santa, Robin and Marion will leave the quay by lifeboat at 5.30pm.

Christmas on the Quay, supported by Poole Tourism, the Jolly Sailor and Poole Harbour Commissioners, continues with carols around the Christmas tree with children from Old Town First School, a circus skills workshop and much more including Tudor Christmas activities and a choir at Scaplen’s Court from 3.30pm to 6pm.

The Flotilla of Lights, organised by PHC, takes place at 6pm when illuminated craft will compete for the Jenkins Marine Best Dressed Boat Trophy.

Graham Richardson, Poole Tourism manager ,said: “We would like to pass on a massive thank you to all the businesses involved in the original event for working with us to make this happen.

“We also need to thank all those who have come forward with support for the additional Santa parade at such short notice, they will all certainly be on Santa’s nice list this year.”