CHILDREN of all ages will be able to enjoy a Zoom session with Santa Claus ahead of Christmas as part of Reading's Twilight Trail.

The Twilight Trail is a socially distanced light and sound installation in the historic Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens which is taking place from December 8 until January 3.

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Several slots have already sold out and to keep everyone as safe as possible and comply with current coronavirus guidelines around social distancing, there will be a limited number of tickets available each day in pre-bookable slots from 4pm to 8.40pm, from WhatsOnReading.com.

The Twilight Trail has now made it possible for children of all ages to Zoom with Snow Princesses and even Santa Claus himself, direct from their homes to yours, all in aid of charity.

Other special events have been added to the diary.

Monday, December 21, has been set aside to welcome a neuro-diverse audience, when the lighting will be dimmed, volume reduced and numbers per slot limited to make the experience as sensory-friendly as possible.

In addition, a wheelchair-accessible route and water bowls for service dogs will be available across all dates.

Throughout the month WePop, the team behind Reading’s Après Ski pop-up and Oktoberfest, will be running a festive chalet bar alongside local food stalls from Paul Holmes Catering selling churros and sausages.

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Theatre group, Rabble, are creating a special piece based on their internationally acclaimed Henry Itrilogy, while Reading Rep will be recording a new version of ‘TwasThe Night Before Christmas to accompany the Forbury Hill Flames installation.

The Twilight Trail itself has been specially created by Yes Events, who have previously worked with everyone from Mercedes-Benz to Elton John.

Their state-of-the-art installations will include the Tree of Light, interactive stepping stones and something special involving the iconic Maiwand Lion.

Reading Place of Culture lead at Reading UK, Zsuzsi Lindsay said: “We have had such a fantastic response to the Twilight Trail from individuals and organisations locally, so we are thrilled to be adding even more Christmas cheer with Father Christmas, the Snow Princesses and some suitably festive food and drink options!

"And we are really pleased to be able to offer a specially adapted afternoon and evening for a neuro-diverse audience on 21 December, so that as many people as possible can enjoy this magical experience.”

Councillor Karen Rowland, cultural lead for Reading Borough Council, added: "I’m delighted that Reading Council, alongside our partners at Reading UK and Abbey Quarter BID, are able to offer this exciting Christmas event.

"After such a tough year and as we emerge from a second lockdown, we are honoured to be part of a fantastic local partnership which will brighten our town and bring holiday joy and cheer to many with this unique attraction.

"I really cannot wait to go myself and I’m looking forward to my Zoom with Santa!"

The Twilight Trail is part of the wider Magical Christmas in Reading initiative, which also includes Christmas lights in the town centre from November 21 and a Digital Advent Calendar which will see 24 surprise videos posted daily on Reading Culture Live from December 1.