Festive float returns to streets in support of Southmead Hospital

The Float Group will be returning to the streets of north Bristol to spread some festive cheer in support of NHS services.

For more than 30 years the Christmas float has been heading out with volunteer healthcare staff to provide entertainment and raise money for Southmead Hospital Charity to support North Bristol NHS Trust.

This year money raised by The Float Group will benefit maternity services at Southmead Hospital.

The float will make its first appearance of the year on Friday (November 26) when it visits Winterbourne and will be out again on Saturday (November 27) in Lyde Green and Emersons Green.

The Float Group is then due to be out every Friday and Saturday in the run-up to Christmas.

On Friday, 3 December, the float will visit Southmead Hospital as part of its visit to Southmead to spread some Christmas cheer among staff and patients.

Juliette Hughes, who has been volunteering with The Float Group for 14 years and is also the Divisional Director of Nursing for the Women & Children’s division, said: “This is continuing a tradition of bringing the float around streets and spreading some Christmas cheer. Some people have been following us for years and years.

“We enjoy seeing the faces of children when they see us and the staff who volunteer enjoy being part of it – and we also raise money for really good causes.

“We hope you will come out and see us if we’re visiting your area.”

You can follow the float's progress and upcoming locations.