Cramlington’s countdown to Christmas begins on Saturday 23 November when a brand new scheme of Christmas lights is launched at Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure in partnership with Cramlington Town Council.
Britain’s Got Talent Winner Ashleigh and her canine companion, Crufts agility finalist Sully, will be flicking the switch on the centre’s spectacular illuminations, as part of a fantastic family event with lots of free fun for all ages.
Ashleigh, who is starring alongside her pet pooch in this year’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk at Whitley Bay Playhouse, will be joined on stage by fellow panto stars and also giving the audience a chance to win tickets to the show! Oh Yes She Is!
Hosted by popular Metro Radio breakfast show presenters Steve and Karen, on-stage festivities begin at 3pm and will include lots of magic and mayhem with the chance to win fun prizes by opening a giant advent calendar to reveal a treat behind every door.
The action-packed day begins at 11 am, and includes stilt walking unicorns, Jingles the reindeer, Frozen Princesses accompanied by the endearing Olaf, and walking Christmas trees – just try not to store one in the back of your car on the way home!
Activities for children on the day, from 11 am – 3 pm, include face painting, carnival rides, reindeer dust craft with Santa’s Elves, and the chance to have festive photos taken in a giant snow globe.
Musical entertainment includes performances from the effervescent Cramlington Steel Band as well as X-Factor contestant Mollie Scott, and popular Tyneside singer Channy Thompson.
Santa will be in his grotto from 11 am – 3 pm, when he’ll be chatting to boys and girls about their Christmas wishes, and distributing Santa ‘proof of good behaviour’ certificates along with a chocolate Santa Lolly.
He’ll then be joining Ashleigh and Sully on stage for the lights switch on at 5pm, when the whole audience will be engaged in the big countdown.
Nick Lambert, General Manager at Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure, said:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming our loyal shoppers to a fun-packed day of activity to kick start their festive season in style! I hear Ashleigh and the panto cast are planning to take advantage of our great range of shops to tick a few items off their Christmas shopping list, and Sully is particularly looking forward to a snoop around Pets at Home! I’m sure he’ll find something to make his tail wag!”
Loraine De Simone, The Town Mayor of Cramlington, added:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Manor Walks for the Christmas switch on. This event brings the Cramlington community together in order to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year and is one of the much-loved highlights in the town’s calendar.”