FORTY Father Christmas' will be hoping to score a hat-trick this weekend as residents in a Test Valley village will don the red and white suits to raise funds for charity.
Appleshaw will kick off its festive celebrations on Sunday, November 24, with residents advised not to be alarmed if they spot a host of Santa's running around the village.
To celebrate the area's last cricket match of the year, residents will dress as the legendary figure and get together for one final game on the Appleshaw playing field.
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The event, which promises to be a 'jolly good time', will start at 11.30am, with a BBQ firing up from 12pm for those on the sidelines.
Organised by the Walnut Tree pub community team, residents can also expect a bar serving alcoholic and soft beverages, as well as homemade bakes from cupcakes to brownies.
A spokesperson for the pub's team told the Advertiser: "On Sunday the village will be flooded with some rather strange activities.
"Please do not be alarmed if you see suspicious behaviour, it’s a planned event. The world hasn’t gone mad.
"Please do pop along and support the local cricket team."
In addition to providing some festive entertainment, the team of Santa's will be raising funds for Appleshaw Cricket Club in addition to Prostate Cancer UK, with all money raised split between the charities.
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The festivities don't end there, as the Appleshaw Santa Dash will take place on Sunday, December 1, with more than 100 of the Father Christmas' walking, jogging or running the 3k course.
The event will kick off with registrations at 10am before the dash begins at 11.30am.
Refreshments, including mulled wine, burgers and more, will also be available, with the Walnut Tree pub open for drinks and food.
All proceeds raised from the dash will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK, which raises awareness for those with prostate cancer, as well as funding research, campaigning for change and providing support to those affected.
Residents can sign up for the Santa Dash here: tickettailor.com/events/appleshawsantadash/1200285
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