Plans for Newcastle's Christmas market have been revealed and this year it looks set to be bigger than ever before.
Council bosses have confirmed that the popular festive attraction will return to the city centre next month and will be extended to include Old Eldon Square. Taking place from Saturday, November 19 until Friday, December 23, shoppers can expect to find an avenue of stalls on Grey Street and Grainger Street, leading up to the Grainger Market.
This year's event will mainly feature products from local traders and Newcastle City Council has promised that the city's much-loved Grainger Market will also take centre stage in this year's festive celebrations. It will host a Santa's grotto and a series of special Sunday openings on November 27 and December 4, 11, and 18.
Councillor Lesley Storey, cabinet member for A Vibrant City at Newcastle City Council, said: “Our plans in the city centre will focus on the Grainger Market as the hub for local businesses, and I am delighted this year it will have far more of a Christmassy feel, with a festive exterior, more decorations and a dedicated programme of events to suit all tastes. Local traders will be further supported as the ever-popular outdoor Christmas market has been extended."
But before the festive market gets under way, the Christmas light switch on will take place in the city centre on Tuesday, November 15. The festive lights are a highlight of many families' calendars each year and the council has promised that more details on the event will be released shortly.
Newcastle’s twin city of Bergen will be presenting the city with its traditional gift of a tree, with details of the lighting ceremony also to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
And as we approach New Year, Laser Light City returns to Newcastle to illuminate the skies, this year with a spectacular laser light and sound show. Working with the BAFTA award-winning artist Seb Lee-Delisle, the dramatic installation can be enjoyed from the Quayside from Friday, December 30 until Sunday, January 1.
There will be hourly shows each evening, plus controllable lasers on the Tyne Bridge in between.
Councillor Storey said: “Christmas and New Year is a time when people want to spend time with their loved ones, and we want to offer everyone the chance to access good-quality, inclusive events.
“This year, more than ever we are keen to spread some positivity at a time when so many people are struggling. We want to be able to lift everyone’s spirits and hopefully create a sense of well-being during these challenging times.
"We hope the events we have planned will light up our city in more ways than one."
NE1 will also be adding some much-needed Christmas cheer this year by again bringing vacant city centre units to life with Christmas-themed windows. These will be designed by local school children, students and artists, and local people will also have their chance to get involved through an online competition.
There will be a range of free activities for all ages during the festive period, including the popular Search for Santa trail ending at Newcastle Cathedral, with the chance to meet the big man himself, and the 24 Doors of Christmas which opens the door of a quirky or heritage-based venue each day for 24 days in December.
Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd, said: “Every year, Newcastle’s Christmas offer improves and evolves, and I am delighted that we continue to build on what was achieved last year. It is hugely important that over the festive period, Newcastle looks its best and that we provide a compelling offer that has something for everyone, including free-of-charge events and activities for the family.
“The festive offer, including the Grainger Market and the extended Christmas outdoor market will be fantastic for the city, businesses, residents, and visitors alike. We are delighted to welcome back Laser Light City, offering a spectacular, show-stopping event in the run-up to New Year, including New Year’s Eve.
"Last year, it was recognised nationally as one of the best festive displays, so I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s stunning Quayside extravaganza.”
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