The Festive season gets off to a great start in Bishop Auckland
A crowd of approximately 1,000 people turned out in the chilly, but dry weather to enjoy the annual festive entertainment organised by Bishop Auckland Town Council.
It started with a Reindeer parade from five of the primary schools from the Bishop Auckland area who followed two festive stilt walkers, Santa’s Sleigh and Ponies from Newgate Street into the Market Place. ‘Runaway Samba’ warmed up the parade with their fantastic blend of Brazilian rhythms and world beats Community Priest Eileen Harrop blessed the event, and then the Town was treated to brilliant Carol singing performances from Woodhouse Community Primary School, St Andrew’s Primary School, Escomb Primary School and Cockton Hill Infant School.
Moments later Santa Claus arrived accompanied by his special friend’s miniature ponies Adora, Mew and Joe where he officially switched on the tree lights from the Town Hall balcony.
Many people enjoyed the warmth of St Anne’s who served Mulled wine and mince pies, while Prayer Stations were looked after by children from St Anne’s School.
The evening finished where photos could be taken with Santa and the ponies for a donation to the Mayor’s charity the Butterwick Hospice, and in the true spirit of giving for Christmas, just over £40 was raised!
