Bishop Auckland Town Council praise crowds who attended the annual Christmas light switch-on
A crowd of approximately 1,200 people turned out in the chilly, but dry weather to enjoy the festive entertainment.
It started with a parade from seven of the primary schools from the Bishop Auckland area who followed two festive stilt walkers from Newgate Street into the Market Place.
The entertainment featured characters from the hit movie ‘Inside Out’ who sang Christmas songs with the children.
Local gymnast Amy Tinkler was the evening’s special guest where she spoke about her achievements and showed the crowds her bronze medal which she won at the recent Glasgow World Gymnastics Championships. Amy was also was presented with bouquet of flowers from the Mayor of Bishop Auckland.
Moments later Santa Claus arrived in style on the back of a specially-commissioned Christmas Sleigh, a Rewaco Motor Trike, before both Santa and Amy officially switched on the tree lights from the Town Hall balcony.
The evening finished with a spectacular live Fire show which warmed the crowds up.
Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Lee Brownson said:
“What another fantastic event here in the town. It was a pleasure to host the whole event and to see the people turn out in their hundreds to kick off the festive period. Despite the cold weather it was heart warming to see all of the children enjoying themselves and having Amy help Santa switch on the lights was fantastic!”
