A LANDMARK Tyne Valley pub is switching on Christmas with a festive light spectacular this month (November) – and it is looking for a special child to flick the switch.
On Thursday 27 November, The Runhead, at Ryton, will officially herald the start of Christmas with the switching on of its biggest ever display of Christmas lights.
And now the search is on to find a child who most deserves the starring role in what promises to be a fun filled evening for the whole family.
Along with the light display there will be a giant sleigh large enough for a whole family to sit in and take pictures, along with a spectacular 12ft tree and decorated archway.
There will also be face painting from 4.30pm and local choir, the Ryton Singers will be performing from 5pm.
Visitors will be served complimentary mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies and there will be a hot dog stand where a percentage of every hot dog sold will be donated to Newcastle-based St Oswald’s Hospice.
The lights will be switched on at 6pm and the pub is now urging people to get in touch via social media with the name of the child they think most deserves the honour of switching them on.
The opportunity to nominate a child opens on 7 November with the winner announced on 17 November.
And not only will the lucky person get to switch on the lights, but they will also receive a Christmas selection box, a family meal at The Runhead and tickets for a four-ball game of golf at MacDonald Linden Hall Hotel for their parents or guardians.
In the run up to the event the pub – owned by leading Newcastle-based leisure operator Malhotra Group plc – is also inviting youngsters to design their own Christmas bauble.
The winner will also be picked on 17 November and their design will be transferred to a real bauble which will then be hung on the Christmas tree on the evening of the lights switch on.
The child will also be given a bauble with their design on to take home, along with a selection box.
“We are putting children firmly at the heart of our Christmas celebrations this year,” said Runhead business manager Mark Johnson, “because they see the magic of it all so clearly.
“The Runhead is very much a family pub and we hope this event will not only be our way of thanking the village and our customers for all the support they show us year round, but also a great way of marking the start of the festive season.”
The Runhead’s Big Christmas Light Switch on will begin at 5pm and is free to attend.
To enter a child to switch on the lights visit
https://www.facebook.com/RunheadRyton/
https://www.instagram.com/therunhead/
For further information visit https://www.therunhead.co.uk/festival/