Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Kristian Johnson

Meet Rasta Claus, Santa's cool cousin spreading festive cheer in Leeds

Ask any kid to conjure up their visions of December 25 and no doubt Father Christmas will spring to mind.

But a man from Leeds has created a fun new twist on Father Christmas with Rasta Claus.

Music teacher Cleve Freckleton, 57, is Britain's first ever self-proclaimed Rastafarian Santa Claus.

For the past few years, Cleve has donned his big red Father Christmas suit and now makes annual appearances at his school and all over West Yorkshire.

Whereas Father Christmas asks children what they want for Christmas, Rasta Claus has his own motto and urges youngsters to 'give a lickle back'.

This year, he has teamed up with children’s events company BOOMCHIKKABOOM for a virtual Santa experience which will see £1 of every booking donated to Candlelighters, a Leeds-based charity that supports children and their families who are affected by childhood cancer.

Rasta Claus said: "This time of year is not just about asking what the kids want for Christmas, but making them aware of how they can give back to those who are perhaps less fortunate."

Amy Harrison, deputy fundraising manager at Candlelighters, said: "We are so excited to be working with Rasta Claus this Christmas and I know the families who meet him will have a great time!

"By booking a virtual experience with Rasta Claus, families across Yorkshire will ensure that we can continue to bring light to families affected by childhood cancer in these darkest of times."

Parents can book a five-minute zoom session for their children from the comfort of their own home from December 11. Online meet-and-greets start from £17.50. For more details, visit www.rastaclaus.co.uk.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.