The most wonderful time of the year gets underway this weekend in Bishop Auckland as The Auckland Project unveils its stunning Christmas displays.
For the first time, the charity’s Winter Experience is offering visitors the chance to explore and enjoy a series of festive spectacles across three of its attractions from November 18th to December 31st.
An exquisite Christmas Garland decorating the Throne Room at Auckland Castle; a monumental Neapolitan Nativity scene from the 18th century (together with 100 Christmas trees) in the as-yet-unseen Faith Museum; and a charming recreation of The Auckland Project’s many attractions – in gingerbread! – will delight one and all.
Jon O’Donoghue, Commercial Director at The Auckland Project said: “This is the first time The Auckland Project has offered a full Christmas programme of events and experiences and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to enjoy them.”
Also on the Christmas menu are festive afternoon teas and dining experiences in the Castle’s Old Library, for which bookings are already filling up.
Jon continued: “Christmas is a time when faith, family and fun come together more than ever, and this has been at the centre of our ambitions for the Winter Experience.
“We want to put The Auckland Project at the heart of Christmas in Bishop Auckland, creating new traditions people will look forward to and enjoy with their loved ones year on year.”
This weekend’s launch of The Auckland Project’s Winter Experience has been timed to coincide with the wider Christmas celebrations in the town.
Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town promises a spectacular weekend of festive fun for the whole community, taking place in and around the Market Place from November 18th to 20th.
Two local organisations, social enterprise Bridge Creative and event producers Baccanalia, have joined forces again to put together a magical programme including live entertainment, a Christmas Village, ice skating, visits to Santa, pop up bar The Elves Arms – serving mulled wine and hot chocolate – and a giant interactive snow globe, perfect for that Instagram moment.
Funded by principal partner Bishop Auckland Town Council, the event is being organised in partnership with The Auckland Project and Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
The Town Council will mark the opening of Christmas Town with their Town Council Christmas Party in the Market Place. Live performances from North East tribute band Aukestra and local singer Christopher Dakers will take place on the bandstand while the aforementioned snow globe and a cast of roaming performers will complete the festivities.
The Christmas Village will feature a selection of traders from across the North East selling hot and cold food and drinks, Christmas gifts and more. A huge synthetic ice rink is sure to bring in the crowds while Santa’s Grotto will send all the children home happy.
For families, there’s the Party Boppers Jingle Bell Ball on Saturday, and Princess Sing-a-long parties on Saturday and Sunday.
On the Saturday evening the Christmas Town Ball arrives at the Town Hall where party-goers are urged to get their glad rags on for one incredible night with live band, House of Sax.
As well as its Winter Experience, The Auckland Project has programmed a range of festive events and activities in its community venue, No.42 including wreath-making workshops.
Edward Perry, Chief Executive Officer at The Auckland Project said: “Events such as Christmas Town have a remarkable ability to bring the community together and it is inspiring to see the positive impact this has on our town and the people who live and work here.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Baccanalia, Bridge Creative and Bishop Auckland Town Council to deliver this year’s Christmas Town and we look forward to welcoming thousands of people to Bishop Auckland this Christmas.”
Ben Tinkler, Managing Director of Bridge Creative – a social enterprise which provides employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism to work on live events – said: “We love doing big events like this – we had a successful first year last year and are really looking forward to this year’s event which will provide lots of work and volunteering opportunities for the people we support.”
Thomas Wales, Company Director at events producer Baccanalia, which co-produced the town’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year, said: “It’s incredible that we’ve managed to pull this off again for the second year. If we’re able to get a sponsor on next year’s event, there’s no reason why this can’t continue to grow and grow and attract national visitors.”
Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Michael Siddle, said: “This event is set to get us all in the Christmas spirit and it is wonderful that we are able to come together in partnership to deliver this activity.
“Whether it be a wander around the Christmas stalls, whilst listening to the festive music, watching the street entertainment, or attending one of the numerous planned activities from a trip to Santa’s Grotto, having a family dance at the Party Boppers Ball or getting creative at the wreath making workshops’ there really is something for everyone.”
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Chair of the Bishop Auckland Strategic Advisory Panel, said: “It’s great to see events such as this taking place in the town. As well as bringing people together and spreading some festive cheer, the Christmas Town festival will provide a real boost to businesses.”
Full details of the programme can be found on the Christmas Town website, including details of how to book tickets and you can find the event on Facebook by searching for ‘Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town’.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
