Tag: christmas

Sunderland Skates With The Stars This Christmas

By on 22nd October 2015in Entertainment, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Stars of Dancing On Ice will this year be skating their way to Sunderland as part of a frost filled programme of festivities…

Sunderland’s Business Improvement District has unveiled its plans for a whole host of Christmas activities in the city, which centre around the creation of a magical Frost Village.

From November 26 until Christmas Eve the area around Keel Square and the former Vaux site will be transformed, and will see the installation of a giant ice rink, a Christmas market, and a fun fair with Ferris wheel.

Getting the action underway will be a Gala Ice Extravaganza, which will include a performance by former Dancing on Ice stars, Andrei Lipanov and Susie Lipanova.

Sessions will take place on a daily basis, with visitors able to enjoy ice skating lessons, ice discos and skating with a range of cartoon characters.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said that all the stops had been pulled out to ensure the city centre enjoyed a spectacular Christmas.

“We have been planning this for some time and we really believe we have created a fantastic programme which all the family can enjoy,” said Ken.

“We hope that not only local people will come and see what’s on offer but that visitors will also come from across the region, which will of course also provide a huge boost for businesses across the city.”

Ice skating sessions are also being offered to schools which might be looking for an alternative to the usual Christmas party or to businesses and groups of friends who may want some early evening entertainment.

A Christmas market will run alongside the rink, with more than 25 stalls providing food, drinks, gifts and crafts.

The Frost Village is also being extended to the former Vaux site, which is being transformed into a traditional fun fair.

Along with the Ferris wheel, visitors will be able to ride on a carousel, waltzers and bumper cars.

“This really is going to be a fantastic Christmas in the city centre,” said Ken Dunbar, “and we really believe there is something for everyone.”

For further information visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.

Sunderland Shopping Centre Looking For Christmas ‘Toy Testers’

By on 21st October 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A Sunderland shopping centre is looking for a team of youngsters who can take on an important festive job – as toy testers…

Sunderland’s Bridges Shopping Centre is looking to form a group of discerning youngsters to test out this Christmas’ ‘must have’ toys from the centre’s leading retailers.

As a reward all members of the selection panel will receive a £50 gift voucher to spend on toys for themselves.

Youngsters aged between five and nine-years-old can put themselves forward to be a tester, by sending in a video no more than one minute long, showing their favourite toy and explaining why they like it.

Then the winning group will be invited in for a special session at the Bridges where they can try out some of the new season’s toys and vote for those they like best.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to find out what youngsters want this Christmas and for them to test out the toys in advance,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“And it also means we get to know what are likely to be the best sellers.

“Hopefully it will also help families decide what to buy for their children, knowing that it’s got the seal of approval from a group of youngsters.”

Anyone wanting to be considered for the toy testing panel should email their video to customerservices@bridgessunderland.co.uk. They need to include their contact details and parental consent to them taking part.

The closing date for would-be toy testers to send a video is Monday November 2nd.

Wynyard Christmas Fayre Set To Be Bigger Than Ever

By on 19th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, Places To Go, What's New?, What's On?

Champagne, carols and a Continental Christmas market are coming to one of the North East’s most popular events next month…

The annual Wynyard Christmas Fayre, at Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley, has become a firm favourite with shoppers keen to snap up locally sourced food, jewellery, fashion, gifts and homeware.

It is now set to be even bigger and better than ever, with 160 stalls and an avenue of German-style, fairylit, wooden chalets lining the route from the hall itself to the Grand Marquee at the edge of the recently opened Walled Garden.

Throughout the three day event, from 20th to 22nd November, visitors will be able to enjoy mulled wine or afternoon tea in front of open, log fires in the Hall’s state rooms, while singers perform traditional Christmas carols.

Meanwhile, those looking to give themselves an early Christmas treat can head to the Hall’s Mirror Room, where therapists from the hotel’s lakeside Spa will shape and paint their nails over a glass of sparkling wine for £15.

They can then either make their way on foot through the outdoor Christmas market, or take a shuttle bus to the Grand Marquee, where there will be further stalls and the chance to explore the adjacent Walled Garden’s visitor centre and café.

There, they can choose from a wide range of food and gifts sourced from suppliers in the North East and North Yorkshire and enjoy a light meal or snack overlooking the garden.

Those wishing to walk from the Hall to the Grand Marquee and Walled Garden should wear appropriate footwear.

 

The Wynyard Christmas Fayre will take place from 10am to 5pm on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st November and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 22nd November.

There will also be a special preview evening on Thursday 19th November between 5.30pm and 9pm for holders of advance tickets purchased from the hotel’s website.

Tickets for the Fayre cost £4 if bought in advance and £5 on the door and can be purchased by calling 01740 644811 or via www.wynyardhall.co.uk.

While entry to the visitor centre is free, there is a £5 charge for entry to the Walled Garden and bookings are now being taken for Afternoon Tea at the Hall.

Fenwick Christmas Pop-Up Store Opens This Weekend

By on 16th October 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

The UK’s largest independent department store group has spread its wings this Christmas with a seasonal pop-up store…

Fenwick, which has been Newcastle’s retail flagship for more than 130 years, has crossed the river to intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, and its 13,000sq ft. Christmas Wonderland at the Platinum Mall opens tomorrow (Saturday 17th October).

Until January 2016, it will be bringing shoppers everything from decorations, cards and wrapping paper to trees, food and drink, plus an exciting array of Christmas gift ideas.

This is the first time the store – which is famous for the Christmas window at its Northumberland Street site – has opened a festive pop-up store in the region.

Kate Grant, regional director of intu, said: “We are delighted that Fenwick are branching out in the North East and opening a Christmas emporium on the ground floor of Platinum Mall. 

“We already work with Fenwick at intu Eldon Square and are looking forward to seeing how they bring their own special brand of Christmas magic to intu Metrocentre.” 

A Fenwick spokesperson said: ‘We are pleased that so many people in the region see Fenwick as an indispensable part of their festive shopping experience, so with an opportunity arising to open a pop-up store in the Metrocentre we’re really excited to bring our unique take on Christmas gifting to even more North East shoppers.’

Fenwick is currently recruiting for Christmas team members for both the intu Metrocentre and Newcastle stores. Click here or call into the HR Department in the Newcastle store to apply.

For further information visit www.intu.co.uk/metrocentre.

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