The 2015 Christmas Wonderland programme of events and activities has been the most successful to date, Members will be told, at a meeting of the Borough Council next week.
The annual Borough wide celebrations attracted more than 16,000 visitors to South Tyneside.
The spectacular Camel Parade attracted the biggest crowd.
More than 7,000 people lined South Shields’ famous Ocean Road to see the impressive drumming group Spark! lead the parade, which featured the Three Wise Men travelling on camels, stilt-walking shepherds and bouncing stars. Followed by a striking array of creative lighting, exquisite illuminated puppets and live music from the popular local group, Bessie and the Zinc Buckets, at Haven Point before a spectacular festive firework display.
S Club Party pulled in a crowd of up to 3,000 people when they came to South Shields to switch on the town’s Christmas light displays and got crowds in the festive spirit with their range of pop hits. An estimated 800 visitors enjoyed setting Hebburn and Jarrow a glow with their town lights switch on events.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the record success of our Christmas Wonderland 2015.
“The wide variety of annual festive events and entertainment just keeps going from strength to strength and it was great to see the biggest crowds recorded at the Borough’s famous Camel parade.
“It is important to note the positive impact of the Christmas Wonderland programme which is not only enjoyed by residents but also attracts thousands of visitors from outside the Borough.”
South Tyneside’s annual Christmas Fair also enjoyed another successful year at Haven Point attracting a record 4,000 visitors who sampled the range of arts and crafts, decorations, jewellery as well as festive food and drink that were on offer from over 60 stalls.
An estimated 1,500 Christmas shoppers took time out to admire talented school choirs and orchestras and local musicians as they performed festive music in the Borough’s town centres throughout December.
Over 250 children from local school orchestras and choirs treated an audience of around 700 to an evening of traditional and modern carols at Temple Park Centre in South Shields.
Councillor Alan Kerr added: “It is wonderful to see the annual programme get bigger and better year on year. The feedback we have received has been overwhelming positive and we are delighted that residents and visitors enjoyed the festivities.
“We are looking forward to getting preparations under way for this year’s Christmas Wonderland which will feature a wide variety of festive family fun and stunning illuminations across the Borough for all to enjoy.”
For more information about events in South Tyneside visit www.visitsouthtyneside.gov.uk.