The disastrous appearance of Grumpy Santa saw him failing to communicate with children during the Christmas Lights event in Evesham.
But he was pleased to communicate on his mobile phone as he sent texts while grudgingly posing for pictures with the kids.
The stand-in for the real Santa was planned to be one of the main attractions at the Evesham Lights switch on event but the performer was slammed by organisers who branded him "inept and disinterested".
Hundreds of locals flocked to the event where Santa was supposed to ride in on a sleigh pulled by real reindeer and give out sweets as he chatted to children about what they wanted for Christmas. But whilst he did ride in on a sleigh, he gave away just a few sweets, only spoke twice to children and kept his head down for most of the event.
Evesham Market Town Partnership manager Lew Hammond, said: This was an unfortunate thing that should never have happened and we were just trying to protect the spirit of Christmas.
"Last year we booked what looked like a brilliant Father Christmas but he failed to turn up "This year he turned up but he was inept, sullen and incommunicative indeed everything a Father Christmas should not be.It was a disaster. The Father Christmas has now been sacked by the agency Animal Enterprises and the fee cancelled and we have also been given an extra £50 for the poor performance. The switch on was a festive affair boasting a Christmas grotto and entertainment from puppets, showmen, live music and dancers it was well supported by Evesham locals despite cold wet weather.
