Christmas in South Tyneside

South Tyneside is set to sparkle this festive season with the return of the Borough's Christmas programme of events.

The Council is getting ready for the 2022 Christmas period, which will include an exciting variety of family-friendly events as well as a dazzling array of festive lighting, decorations, trees and motifs, across the Borough's towns and villages.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "Christmas is such a wonderful time of year for families and friends to get together, celebrate and have fun.

"We have an amazing line up of events planned, with something for all ages to enjoy, to help bring the magic of Christmas to South Tyneside. More areas of the Borough will also sparkle this year through further investment in our festive lighting displays to help spread festive cheer throughout our communities.

"We look forward to welcoming both residents and visitors to enjoy everything on offer this year and would encourage people to save the important event dates in their diaries."

The official countdown to Christmas begins with the Borough's spectacular lights switch on events in the Borough's three town centres.

The lights switch on events are taking place at South Shields Market Square (Wednesday 23 November, 5-6pm); Jarrow Town Hall (Friday 25 November, 4-5pm) and Hebburn Fountains Park (Monday 28 November, 4-5pm).

The spectacular Christmas Parade will also return to Ocean Road, South Shields, on Friday 9 December. Choreographed by Creative Seed, it will feature local community groups, dazzling costumes, family-friendly entertainment, the stunning Spark! Drumming group and a sensational fireworks finale.

Talented children from local schools across South Tyneside will unite for the Christmas Carol Concert, on5 December,at Temple Park Centre. The concert returns in its traditional physical format following virtual concerts over the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bands and school choirs will also be returning to town centres after a two-year absence, to help spread some festive cheer as people go about their Christmas shopping.

Santa will be taking special visits from children at his Grotto in Haven Point throughout December.

A range of festive entertainment and activities, such as arts and crafts will also take place at libraries, including The Word, Hebburn Central, Jarrow Focus and Cleadon Park.

To make sure the Borough is ready for the lights switch on events next month, the Council and its street lighting partner Balfour Beatty have already started the programme of testing, repairing and installing existing lights as well as putting up the new displays across the Borough.

A series of new festive lighting displays, including more lights in trees, were installed across the Borough last year.

This year, additional features include a display on the Stanhope Road / Temple Park Road roundabout in South Shields.

The 'shooting star' display will also be reinstated on the Monkton Lane roundabout junction with Mill Lane and new motifs will be fitted to the lighting columns in the area.

The further investment in festive lights and the return of Christmas events aligns with the Council's key priority to support town centres, villages, high streets and hospitality.

Councillor Atkinson added: "There is so much happening across South Tyneside, not just council events, but with our partners at The Customs House, Jarrow Hall, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, South Shields Museum and many more. We hope that people will take advantage of the fantastic range of activities on offer."

For the full programme of South Tyneside's Christmas Wonderland programme of events visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/christmas, follow on social media at www.facebook.com/southtynesideevents and Twitter @stynesideevents or look out for the Christmas 'What's On' guide being distributed across the Borough, including council buildings and local libraries.