Reindeer being fed at Christmas Fair
Focus Birmingham is bringing the magic of Christmas within reach of children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through its specially adapted sensory Santa’s grotto, taking place on Saturday 5 December 2026, from 12 noon to 3pm, as part of the charity’s Christmas Fair in Harborne.
Designed with accessibility and individual needs at its heart, the grotto offers a welcoming, personalised festive experience for visitors who may find traditional Christmas attractions overwhelming or inaccessible. The grotto forms part of the charity’s popular Christmas Fair, which also features real reindeer that visitors can meet and feed.
First introduced in 2023, Focus Birmingham’s sensory grotto was developed in response to the barriers that many families and individuals face when accessing traditional Christmas experiences. For people living with sight loss, complex needs and sensory sensitivities, long queues, bright lights, unfamiliar surroundings and unpredictable noise can make a visit to Santa difficult or even impossible. At Focus, the experience is tailored to the individual, helping to make Christmas magical, comfortable and inclusive.
Michelle Williams, Director of Services and Development at Focus, said: “Christmas should be magical for everyone, but traditional festive attractions aren't always accessible to people with sight loss, complex needs or sensory sensitivities. At Focus, we take the time to understand each visitor's needs and adapt their experience accordingly. Whether it's adjusting the lighting, reducing noise or simply allowing someone more time with Santa, it's about making sure everyone can enjoy a little Christmas magic.”
Michelle added: “And Santa isn't just for children! We warmly welcome adults who would love to experience the magic of meeting Father Christmas, whatever their age or support needs.”
Visits to the sensory grotto must be booked in advance, allowing the Focus team to tailor the experience to each visitor’s needs. The wider Christmas Fair, held at the charity’s Woodville Road premises in Harborne, is free to attend and open to everyone. Visitors can meet real reindeer, browse gifts from local businesses and enjoy festive food and live entertainment.
Tracy Johnson, Income Generation & Partnerships Manager at Focus, said: “Businesses can also support the event by donating a gift or experience to the Christmas raffle, which will raise funds for the charity’s work with people with sight loss and complex needs.”
Prize donations can be arranged with Tracy Johnson at tracy@focusbirmingham.org.uk.
For further information and to book a sensory grotto visit, please visit focusbirmingham.org.uk/Event/christmas-fair-2026.
ENDS
PR by Reeves in Birmingham and Newcastle.