Gala Tent Delivers Festive Delight to Mexborough with Pop-Up Santa's Grotto

Mexborough Town was aglow with Christmas cheer as crowds packed the streets for the annual switch-on of the town’s Christmas Lights. From games and funfair rides to festive food and drink, the evening was a roaring success, capped off by a truly special guest appearance from Father Christmas himself in a spectacular Santa’s Grotto provided by Gala Tent.

The pop-up grotto, built on Gala Tent’s extra robust Pro 50 gazebo frame and wrapped in high-quality dye-sublimation printed covers, was the centrepiece of the festivities. Children from all over Mexborough queued eagerly to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, while parents soaked up the atmosphere of a town brought together in festive joy.

Alan Leonard, a respected member of Mexborough’s organising committee, reached out directly to Gala Tent CEO Jason Mace to request help with the grotto. Jason, well-known for his passion for supporting local initiatives, didn’t hesitate.

“Mexborough holds a special place in my heart,” Jason said. “I’ve invested a lot into the town, including over £250,000 into the Empress Building and Ballroom, with plans for further development to attract more visitors and businesses. When Alan asked for support, it was a no-brainer—anything to bring a little extra magic to the children of Mexborough.”

The Empress Building, which now serves as a multifunctional venue, is a key part of Jason’s broader commitment to revitalising the area. With plans for holiday rentals on its upper floors, the aim is to draw more people to Mexborough, boosting local businesses and the economy.

The festive atmosphere at the light switch-on was electric, with families enjoying games, fairground rides, and seasonal treats. But it was the Santa’s Grotto that truly stole the show, bringing smiles to children’s faces and leaving parents delighted. Santa himself was on hand to hear their Christmas Day wishes, adding an extra sparkle to an already magical evening.

Gala Tent’s involvement underscores its commitment not just to producing high-quality gazebos and marquees but also to making a difference in the communities it serves. This is just one of many initiatives where the company has stepped up to support local events, combining business success with giving back.

As the lights twinkled across Mexborough and families returned home with full hearts and festive memories, one thing was clear: this was a Christmas event to remember, made possible with a little help from Gala Tent and the magic of the holiday season.

Gala Tent: 25 Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Community Spirit

Celebrating 25 years in business, Gala Tent has become a name synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation in the marquee and gazebo industry. Over the past quarter-century, we’ve achieved countless awards, expanded into new ventures with brands like Gala Technology, Gala Graphics, Gala Education and Marketing, and Gala Performance, and nurtured the next generation of talent by offering young professionals the chance to grow their careers within our company. While our business accomplishments are significant, some of our proudest achievements have been in our contributions to charity and the communities we serve.

Supporting Local Communities and Causes Overseas

From revitalising markets to supporting vital charitable causes, Gala Tent has left an indelible mark on its local community. Our collaboration with Rotherham Market brought 95 pop-up gazebos to life, providing shelter and an improved shopping experience for traders and visitors alike. Beyond markets, we’ve supported events like Rotherham Hospital’s Santa’s Grotto fundraiser and contributed to charities such as Help for Heroes and Haven House Children’s Hospice, helping to raise thousands of pounds for important causes.

Our charitable reach has expanded across to the world to support Islamic Relief, earthquake appeals in Haiti, and rebuilding schools in Africa, but we're also greatly invested in our local community, with charity festivals such as Beanfest, Barnsley Hospice, the Manvers Lake Dragon Boat Team, and in the local village of Brinsworth. Jason Mace was also a key supporter and patron of the Dragon's Den star Peter Jones' Foundation.

International Growth and Business Acumen

Our drive to grow beyond borders has led to key international partnerships and expansions. Establishing a new distribution hub in Ireland has improved service to customers there, while our distributorship in Spain, in partnership with Barcelona-based BC-Carpas, showcased our products to a new audience. These ventures are a testament to Gala Tent’s ambition and adaptability in a competitive global market.

Innovation in Products and Services

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our product ranges have included trailblazing additions like the Technoheater Infrared range, which was designed for versatile use in both industrial and event environments. Beyond products, our Gala Graphics division showed its prowess with projects like branding 94 Virgin Media vans, proving that Gala Tent is more than marquees—it’s a creative powerhouse.

Accolades and Industry Leadership

Led by Managing Director Jason Mace, Gala Tent has earned accolades including the coveted Business Person of the Year Award at the South Yorkshire Business Awards. These achievements highlight not just our business acumen but our enduring commitment to excellence in service and innovation.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Markets

Our partnerships with organisations like NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities) reflect our dedication to empowering market traders and operators. Through initiatives like the Love Your Local Market campaign, we’ve provided high-quality gazebos and stalls, helping markets across the UK thrive. By supporting local entrepreneurs, we continue to play a role in keeping these vital spaces alive and buzzing.

Looking to the Future

From our roots in South Yorkshire to our global reach, Gala Tent’s 25 years have been a journey of growth, giving back, and making a difference. As we look to the next 25 years, our focus remains on innovation, nurturing talent, and making a positive impact on the communities and industries we serve. With every marquee raised and every market reinvigorated, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, community, and progress.