Christmas cheer for shoppers

05-DEC-11

Issued by: Graeme Cook

North Tyneside shoppers will be spoilt for choice this weekend with a fantastic selection of free festive town centre events taking place in the borough.

Families can enjoy the festivities on offer at the thirteenth annual North Shields Victorian Christmas Market, in Northumberland Square on Saturday, December 10, 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday, December 11, 10am to 4pm.

The event, which is supported by Kier North Tyneside, will feature around 100 stalls selling food, gifts and crafts.

John Fleet, Town Centres Manager, said: "The North Shields Victorian Christmas Market provides the perfect opportunity to get in to the festive spirit and welcome in the Christmas season.

"The event really is a highlight on the festive calendar for locals and visitors alike. Once again, we have a wonderful range of stalls on offer and a packed programme of festive entertainment to look forward to."

There will also be dance performances, Punch and Judy shows, falconry displays, an appearance from the cast of this year's PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay Aladdin pantomime and live music from local schoolchildren, churches and the Salvation Army.

Kier's regional director for maintenance, Mike Furze, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this year's Victorian Christmas Market and our team are looking forward to setting up the market ready for the festivities.

"Kier is actively involved with local communities and projects across North Tyneside and it is a great honour to be able to be part of this event celebrating the festive season in our area."

Elsewhere, an inflatable Santa Claus, believed to be one of the biggest in the North East, will be appearing on the bandstand just outside of the Forum Shopping Centre in Wallsend. Shoppers can also enjoy some free festive face painting between 10am and 3pm.

In Whitley Bay, a giant snow dome will feature at the Park View Shopping Centre between 11am and 3pm, and shoppers will be able to jump inside and play in the snow.

These events form part of a wide and varied programme of town centre events organised by North Tyneside Council as part of its commitment to support town centre businesses.

Anybody wanting to find out more information can sign up for a regular newsletter detailing all up and coming events in North Tyneside by emailing: events@northtyneside.gov.uk.

Previous town centre events have included pavement art, treasure hunts, circus street theatre, celebrity look-alike personal shoppers, dance displays and special appearances from children's favourite TV characters Fireman Sam, Postman Pat and Peppa Pig.

All events are weather dependent and in the case of poor weather conditions, some outdoor events may either be cancelled or moved indoors.

For further information, email events@northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0191 643 7409.

ENDS