SCAD Industries - Santacon

Santacon 2006

This year's event brought a whole new level of jolly to the capital, as up to 600 santas rampaged through the streets spreading joy, sprouts, small sweets, stickers, music, laughter, suspicious literature and kazoo noises in all directions. Innocent bystanders were left stunned as the Red Menace engulfed London, and several breweries were forced to call in double shifts and brew up with whatever materials they could find at the back of the warehouse in order to restock London's public houses. (The result has been said to closely resemble Newcastle Brown Ale). I was there once again as Cthulhu Claus. Tragically - due to some unexpectedly shortlived batteries - our record of the event stops at Jubilee Gardens. Due to some unexpectedly delicious whiskey, so do large portions of Cthulhu Claus' memory. For other Santas' records of the event, see the official Santacon page.

All thumbnails link to larger higher quality pics.

Cthulhu Claus is ready to rock and roll. For a terrifying close-up demonstration of the Santa Staff of Doom (featuring Randolph Carter the Christmas Skull), click here.
	Randolph Carter the Christmas Skull enjoys fine Thameslink seating and horrible overexposure due to poor light adjustment.
Having arrived at the Ice Wharf, Cthulhu Claus is joined by the first of his fellow Santas. Featured: a passing surprised civilian and the back of Viking Santa's head. Not shown: The preceding 20 minutes of rising panic, as Cthulhu Claus arrived extremely early, failed to see a single Santa in sight and became convinced he'd come on the wrong day. Fortunately, booze eases the pain.
	Pretty much the same but without the civilian. Featuring at back of frame: The delightfully surly bar staff. As noted in last year's opening at Holborn, they have no idea of the awe and wonder that awaits them.
Pimpa Claus (congratulations PC! see Trafalgar Square pictures) and entourage settle in.
	A red storm rises...
And rises...
	The hapless civilian calls for help as Jolly levels reach critical proportions...
...And Santacon is in full effect! Just visible on the right, one of several teams of reindeer. These noble animals were well represented this year and conducted themselves admirably. Not a turd in sight.
	The back of Gerry the newest SubGenius Santa and his growing collection of scarves.
Over the canal and into the maze of Camden we go...
	...and emerge on Camden High Street, where Santa decided to forgo the pavement and bring traffic to a standstill. The power of Santa Love was fully proved, as dozens of London drivers (including cabbies) not only failed to leap out of their stopped cars and commmit mass Santacide...
...but actually smiled, waved, cheered and shouted encouragement as the Red Menace passed by. Truly a beautiful sight. Santas responded with sweets, sprouts and other small gifts passed in through car windows, and levels of Jolly became so high that several nearby headshops spontaneously started selling candy canes and toy soldiers.
	Santas santaing along.
More of the same.
	A passing police van is greeted with shouted encouragement, cheers and whistles by the Santa crew.
Mornington Crescent tube station, where an impromptu game of "How many Santas can we fit in a lift?" develops. The answer: Frankly, it's very difficult to count when you're in a lift with that many Santas. Posh Santa looks on in awe and wonder, or may be just having breathing difficulties.
	More slightly squashed Santas.
Bundling aboard.
	Santas gain a brief moment of peace. Not shown: 30 seconds later, as the train arrives at the next station and a shout of "CARRIAGE SWAP!" precedes about 50 santas in through the doors. And back out at the next one.
As always...our supremely Badass leader, resplendent in his magical Santa Love Cape which grants him the power to party and shout for 24 hours straight without breaking a sweat...Yomsa! Bit blurry, sorry Yoms.
	Waiting for the main crowd at Charing Cross.
Santas join with some madman and his ghetto blaster in desecrating the ancient art of Irish folk dancing.
	Frankly it's still better than blinking Michael Flatley.
The annual Trafalgar Square singalong, which reached new levels of chaos and joy at the point when three different subgroups were all singing opposing carols, and Pimpa Claus then proposed to his girlfriend at the foot of the statue. Good on you PC, hope the marriage is a little less manic.
	Moving on. Click here for Cthulhu Claus' now-traditional panoramic video of the singing horde
Santas dig in around the Bell & Compass for food, more booze and desparately needed toilet breaks.
	Santas merrily doing their thing.
Over the bridge to Jubilee Gardens. Probably. All a bit blurry at this point.
	Definitely Jubilee Gardens, where a very fine barbecue and disco was held under the gaze of the London Eye. Sadly this is the point where Cthulhu Claus' batteries gave up the ghost and the rest of the evening is lost to posterity. For other Santas' records of the event, see the official Santacon page.