THOUSANDS gathered to watch some of TV’s top stars light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres.
Families from across the North East headed to Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre at the weekend (Sunday 15 Nov) to watch X Factor favourite, Lola Saunders and Gogglebox family, the Moffatts, press the button which signals the start of the festive season at the centre.
Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014 and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.
She was joined underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square, by Metro Radio’s breakfast team, Steve and Karen as well as Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.
The celebrities were joined by intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal and his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, the centre’s Metrognomes and Santa himself.
Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola and the Moffatts attracted possibly our biggest Christmas crowd ever and the atmosphere in the centre was absolutely amazing.”
intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime and extended opening hours until January 3 as well as raising funds for Text Santa.
For more information visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Whats-on/Christmas
