Ringing bells to fill the Townsville air as Santa Claus takes flight on Christmas Eve

The sound of ringing will fill the air tonight when people from around the world join in on the Worldwide Christmas Eve Jingle.

The sound of ringing will fill the air tonight when people from around the world join in on the Worldwide Christmas Eve Jingle.

At 6pm, people of all ages will stand on their driveways and ring bells for two minutes. It is hoped the bells will help launch Santa's sleigh from the North Pole to deliver presents to millions of children despite COVID-19 restrictions inhibiting Christmas celebrations.

The event was created by British woman Mary Beggs-Reid who spread the word of her idea on Facebook in October.

Kirwan local and Christmas enthusiast Tiphanie Clarke said she was trying to spread the word in Townsville.

Tipahnie Clarke is encouraging Townsville to stand on their driveways on Xmas Eve and sing Jingle Bells to help launch Santa's sleigh. Pictured with Riley 8 and Hayden Schulze 5 and Henry Peirce 3. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“All you need to do is ring a bell for two minutes to help Santa power his sleigh to provide some Christmas spirit,” she said. “With COVID-19 restrictions we have had to social distance and it is a good way to see your neighbour and have some social engagement on Christmas Eve.”

Ms Clarke has played the role of Santa Claus this Christmas personally replying to 30 letters sent by Townsville children to her ‘North Pole’ letterbox.

“To become Santa for just those few minutes was so cool,” she said.

Townsville is welcome to pick up a set of bells at Ms Clarke’s home at 5 Reid Court, Kirwan.

Originally published as Ringing bells to fill the Townsville air as Santa Claus takes flight on Christmas Eve