Town Crier John Griffiths explained that a fellow crier from Newport in Shropshire launched Ring A Bell For Santa last year as a way of linking up with his extended family during the pandemic restrictions.
Other town criers got involved and ended up with 18,500 people around the world ringing a bell last year.
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John said they opted to leave the Facebook page open promoting the event and it has led to some worldwide friendships. Now he said it is becoming a tradition.
“I will be on my doorstep on Christmas Eve at 6pm and we are asking others to do the same and ring a bell for Santa. It doesn’t matter what kind of bell - Christmas bell, sleigh bell, hand bell - it is getting the whole family involved around the world.”
they are expecting at least 20,000 people across more than 70 countries to take part in a wave as Santa passes by, from the first time zones in New Zealand, right round to the UK and USA as they reach 6pm.
“It has grown phenomenally,” said John. “It is not for charity, just a way of feeling connected. You can log where you are and what your plans are via the facebook page and post photos.”