Pictures John Hopkins
AFTER more than four decades of spreading festive cheer, the town’s most recognisable Father Christmas, Tony Gandy, has officially completed his final tour of duty for the Warrington Lions Club.
Tony, 78, hung up his famous red cloak following his final sleigh ride through the Gainsborough Road and Manx Road estates last night, Sunday, December 21, 2025. Known affectionately as “Mr. Warrington,” Tonyy has spent 45 years touring the town’s streets, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities.
The retirement marks the end of a remarkable era of community service. Over four decades, he has become a multi-generational fixture of Christmas in Warrington.
“I have seen parents, children, and grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren during my time as Santa,” he noted in a farewell message. Despite battling health challenges, including a recent bout of pneumonia and the typical harsh winter weather, Tony remained committed to his final season.
A hug for Santa
His tenure was not without its legendary moments. He became an internet sensation in 2017 after a video went viral showing him on his sleigh, unable to stop for waiting children while shouting, “I can’t stop, my clutch has gone!”. The incident remains a fond local memory and “put Warrington on the map” for its festive humour.
To honor his legacy, local author Chloe Birchall has published a new book titled Santa’s Community Christmas, with proceeds donated to Warrington Lions International. The club, where Tony served four terms as President, has confirmed that while he is retiring from the sleigh, he may still make occasional guest appearances at schools and nursing homes.
As he retires to spend more time with his family and grandson, Joe—a rugby player for Wigan Warriors—the town has expressed its gratitude for his selfless service. The Warrington Lions have assured residents that while Tony is retiring, the tradition will continue with a new Santa set to debut in December 2026.
For more information on the Warrington Lions and how to support their charitable work, visit their official social media page.
Delivering Christmas Cheer
@warringtonworldwide A fond farewell to #warrington #legend Tony Gandy who is retiring from his sleigh after more than four decades of delivering #christmas cheer to the streets of his home town with #warringtonlions ♬ Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Nessa’s Playhouse
Warrington’s No. 1
