Bristol Christmas float brings festive cheer to support St Peter's Hospice
A carnival-style Christmas float is set to begin its tour of Bristol neighbourhoods, with St Peter’s Hospice among the charities benefiting this year.
The float, complete with Santa’s sleigh and grotto, will take on several routes across the city to spread Christmas joy during the festive season. Crowds line the streets to watch the procession pass while Christmas music is played and artificial snow is sprayed into the streets.
Organised by community fundraisers, the Bristol Float Group, the 2025 tour runs from Friday, November 28 until Saturday, December 20.
Having run for over 40 years, the Christmas Float is a favourite on many families Christmas calendars and last year the organisers raised an impressive £10,000. Over the years the Float has supported St Peter’s Hospice, alongside other local causes, many times. Funds from this year’s tour will be split between St Peter’s Hospice and Southmead Hospital Charity.
"It’s wonderful to see communities coming together for the festive parade,” said Hayley Ali, Community Fundraising Manager, at St Peter’s Hospice.
“The funds raised go towards supporting local care. It costs £30,000 to run the Hospice every day so that money is vital in helping our patients and families when they need us the most.
“The float is also a really fun and festive way for people to get involved in giving back. Last year they raised £10,000 and this year the organisers are hoping for even more!”
The float parade is followed by a ‘party bus’ from The Boar’s Head pub in Aust, which provides refreshments and rest for volunteers who take it in turns to walk with the float.
Juliette Hughes, who recently joined as one of St Peter’s Hospice Directors of Clinical Services and Family Support, has been involved in running the Float Group for many years.
Donations can be made via cash or card on the night, and via Paypal.
This year’s tour starts on 28 November, visiting Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell, and ends on 20 December, covering Severn Beach, Pilning, Easter Compton, and The Boar’s Head in Aust.
To support the float and find a list of routes visit The Christmas Float.
