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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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November 26, 2025

Fleetwood: Step into Christmas at Affinity Lancashire!

When it comes to Christmas, Affinity is here to help you step into the festive season in Style! Enjoy FREE events every weekend from the 29th November.


Visit the FREE Santa’s Grotto every Saturday and Sunday from the 29th November, 11am – 4pm, where children can not only meet the BIG man himself, but they will also receive a FREE gift. He’ll even be in his grotto on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December from 11am until 4pm, and from 11am until 2pm on Christmas Eve, before he begins his epic journey around the world



On Saturday 29th November meet the polar bears as they appear around the centre between 12 and 4pm – you can also join in the crafty fun at the polar Little Cod Club and have your face painted too! Then, on Sunday 30th November be enchanted by the performances of Ebublio Magical Bubbles happening between 11am and 4pm.

Meet the Grinch on Saturday 6th December with appearances between 12 and 4pm, then meet the Christmas Pigeons between 12 and 3pm on Sunday 7th December. It’s the Festive Artisan Street this weekend too, which will see the centre packed full of stalls selling gifts, treats and handmade goods from local independent businesses – not to mention delicious food too – plus you’ll also find free face painting and balloon art!

On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December visit the REAL reindeer who will be at the centre between 12 and 4pm, then on Saturday 20th December meet Smallfoot the Yuletide Yeti when the appears at the centre between 11 and 4pm.

On Sunday 21st December the one and only Grinch returns to the centre to spread his festive cheer, then meet Stitch (with a little festive twist) as he appears around the centre between 12 and 4pm on Monday 22nd December.

On Tuesday 23rd December you can get crafty at the Ice Age Workshop…and why not visit the centre on Christmas Eve when Santa will be in his grotto for the final time before he whizzes off on his long journey delivering presents. The Naughty & Nice Elves will be at the centre too spreading the Christmas joy with a Festive giveaway!

Whilst you’re visiting, why not Post a Letter to Santa into his special post box and collect a free reply from Santa’s delivery box (for full details please check our Facebook page!)

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
(source: Visit Lancashire)
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