Father Christmas - Smithills Hall 2026

We are in search of a kind, cheerful, and generous Father Christmas actor, with an enhanced DBS, to spread Christmas cheer among our visitors at our traditional Christmas Grotto Experience. Visitors will be accompanied by parents, guardians or carers and will have the chance to sit with you, engage in festive conversation and receive their own gift.

Photographs will be taken and provided to all attendees to capture their magical moment. Costume (inc. Beard) will be provided (if you do not already own your own you wish to use) and a team of helpful elves will be on hand to manage the Grotto space and support all engagements.

Please note that if successful we will also require you to provide your own Public Liability Insurance for up to 5 million British Pounds and an Enhanced DBS Certificate.

Location and Dates of engagement

The successful candidate will deliver 6 days of activity at Smithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, BL1 7NP on the following dates/times:

1. 12th December | 9:00 – 17:00 (Estimate)
2. 13th December | 9:00 – 17:00 (Estimate)
3. 15th December | 10:00 - 18:30
4. 18th December | 9:30 – 15:00
5. 19th December | 9:00 – 17:00 (Estimate)
6. 20th December | 9:00 – 17:00 (Estimate)

The 6 days of activity will be confirmed post recruitment and are focused on:

• 3 days of activity for ages 0-16
• 1 day of activity for ‘My First Father Christmas’ ages 0-3
• 1 day of activity for SEND children
• 1 day of activity for SEND Adults

Pay

The pay for this role will be £250.00 per day, totalling £1,500.00 for the entire project.

Submission Requirements

To express interest in this role please submit the following to CreativeBolton@bolton.gov.uk with the subject 'Application: Father Christmas’:

1. Expression of interest: A short paragraph detailing why you are applying for this role and what you think you could bring to the role
2. Detail or previous work: Submitted as a CV for body of text, let us know if you have experience as Father Christmas or another role, where this was completed and your audiences
3. Images: 2-3 Images of yourself in role as Father Christmas
4. Notice of any PLI held and Enhanced DBS Certificate (If available): A document outlining your PLI cover clearly detailing cover amount, and Your DBS details (Certificate number, surname on certificate and D.O.B)

Selection Process

Proposals will be assessed by a diverse panel of representatives from Bolton Council

Applications will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Quality of likeness to Father Christmas (60%)
• Demonstrated skills, experience and capacity to deliver the job requirements. (40%)

Submission Details

Please submit your proposals including subject 'Application: Father Christmas’ to:

CreativeBolton@bolton.gov.uk

All required documents should be attached to a single email where possible.

Key Dates

Deadline for submissions: Sunday 27 September 2026

Assessment and shortlisting: Week commencing 28 September 2026

Applicants may be contacted during this period to clarify aspects of their proposal or provide additional information.

Please note that due to the anticipated volume of applications, only limited feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants.

Bolton Council welcomes applications from artists of all backgrounds and encourages proposals that reflect the diversity, creativity and character of Bolton and its communities