Saltford Parish Council (SPC) was delighted to award a £350 grant to the Saltford Santa Dash at its June meeting, supporting plans to further enhance one of the village’s most popular community events.
The Saltford Santa Dash has been bringing together runners, families, volunteers and spectators for the past 13 years, growing into a much-loved festive tradition that attracts participants from Saltford, as well as Keynsham and the surrounding area.
Representatives from the organising team presented a strong and positive case to Saltford Parish Council, outlining how the funding will be used to improve signage and wayfinding throughout this year’s event.
While last year’s Saltford Santa Dash was a great success, organisers explained that the persistent rain highlighted opportunities to improve both safety and the overall visitor experience. Planned changes for future events include adjustments to the event layout to keep runners on hard surfaces wherever possible and make better use of facilities around the sports ground and buildings.
The grant will help fund updated route maps and clear, reusable signage directing participants and visitors to key locations, including signs for: the start and finish areas, refreshments, toilets, first aid points and children’s activities.
Event organisers emphasised that effective signage plays an important role in health and safety, safeguarding, first aid access and event management. It also helps volunteers focus on supporting participants rather than directing people around the site.
Saltford Parish Council welcomed the application, recognising the Santa Dash as a well-established and successful community event that continues to evolve and improve year after year. The Parish Council was particularly pleased that much of the proposed signage will be reusable, providing long-term value for a relatively small investment.
Beyond bringing the Saltford community together each Christmas, the Saltford Santa Dash delivers significant charitable benefits. Last year’s Saltford Santa Dash raised more than £11,000 for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and Mencap. This year’s nominated charities are CRY and Mentoring Plus.
SPC was pleased to support the application in full and looks forward to seeing this year’s event continue its tradition of community spirit, enjoyment and festive fun – and hopefully with better weather than last year!
SPC thanks the representative of Saltford Santa Dash for their time presenting at SPC’s June meeting and for putting together such a comprehensive funding bid as above for the Parish Council’s consideration.
More about SPC’s grants (including our Grants Policy) under ‘Finance – Grants‘.
Some images from 2025 showing the weather – a lot of enjoyment was still had despite the downpours!