VOLUNTEERS will bring smiles to the faces of children by creating a winter wonderland at the site of a former grotto that closed two years ago.
The recently formed Greenford Community Carnival Association (GCCA) are planning a host of attractions for this weekend.
The event will be held at Ravenor Farm, in Ravenor Park, off Oldfield Lane South, the former home of the much-loved and spectacular grotto which ran for 11-years until 2008 when organisers could no longer carry on.
Jim Wong, acting chairman of the GCCA, said: "We're not trying to replicate the old grotto, it's not going to be nearly as impressive as that, that was arguably the best grotto in west London.
"But everyone missed it greatly when it closed and we wanted to do something for the children in Greenford, Northolt and Perivale because there isn't really anything going on at Christmas in the area."
Working Meccano models of Babbage's Difference Engine (the first computer) and a nautical clock, live music, a model funfair, face painting, a grotto and a raffle will be among the fun between 11am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
It will be officially opened by the Ealing mayor Rajinder Mann and Ealing North MP Steve Pound.
Entry is free and funds raised from some of the attractions will go towards the GCCA's coffers. The group hope to take over the running of the Greenford Carnival in the future.
Mr Wong added: "It's good to put a smile back into the community, especially during these times, to help people forget about things like the coming VAT rise.
Call Mr Wong on 07956 260 032 or email infor@greenfordcarnival.co.uk to find out more.
