Christchurch’s popular Santa Parade has been cancelled again with organisers blaming financial hardship.

The annual parade was canned last year because of Covid19 social distancing rules. 

On a social media post, made two weeks ago, the Christchurch Children’s Christmas Parade Trust said it would not be holding a Santa Parade in Christchurch City.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for the Trust to make.”

“The Trust is still recovering from financial issues that COVID-19 presented so was left with little choice.”

The trust will instead be bringing back ‘Santa’s Mega Grotto’ which will be held at QEII PARK off Travis Road, New Brighton.

On the trust’s website, it lists 21 sponsors, including media partners.

The budgeted cost for the annual running of the Parade in 2017 was $200,000 which “included rent, rates, insurance, the floats, costumes and the running of the parade itself.”

The event has been one of the highlights of the city’s festive season for more than 72 years.

The Christchurch Children’s Christmas Parade Trust is a registered charity with the Government’s Charity Services department.

The Trust has been approached for comment.