MORE than 60,000 people have already enjoyed the events of the Magical Middlesbrough Christmas in Centre Square.
The Christmas Lights switch-on last Thursday, sponsored by the Cleveland Centre, attracted more than 10,000 visitors, while the Christmas Parade on Sunday sponsored by Splash Utilities was seen by more than 45,000 people.
In the remaining time a steady stream of visitors have been heading to Santa’s grotto, the market stalls and the festive fairground.
Cllr Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: “We are absolutely delighted with how the start of the festive season has gone in Middlesbrough. To see so many people visiting our city centre and coming together in the Christmas spirit is a real pleasure.
“We’ve done things a little different this year by separating the lights switch on and the Christmas parade so it’s great to see them so well received.”
Christmas in Middlesbrough got underway with Boro stars Ben Gibson, George Friend and Grant Leadbitter, Police Interceptors and a host of others carry out the big light switch on.
On Sunday, Santa and his elves were joined in a street parade from Teesside University’s Campus Heart to Centre Square by a host of community and arts and music groups.
Santa’s Grotto, complete with bubbling chimney and a gift for every child, will be in Centre Square until Sunday, December 17. Cost is £6.50 per child including gift and booking is advisable via www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/grotto.
The Christmas Markets and traditional festive fairground will also be in Centre Square, until Sunday, December 17, from Thursday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday-Wednesday 11am-7pm. Fairground rides are £2.50 each or three for £5.