The festive season is well underway in Sunderland with lots going on for residents and visitors to the city to see and do.
Sunderland Live’s Christmas Village in Market Square has been proving a huge success with hundreds attending its opening after the Christmas Lights Switch On. Each festive hut tells a part of the journey Santa makes in the run up to December 25th. Towering toy soldiers guard the Christmas Village and watch over Santa’s sleigh which makes an ideal photo opportunity.
Street Entertainers bring the Christmas Village to life each Thursday and Saturday with performances taking place from 1pm.
Chris Alexander, Chief Operating Officer of Sunderland Live said: “We’re really pleased with all the fantastic feedback we’ve received about the Christmas Village and our Christmas Programme this year.
“With lots more still to come in December, we’re really looking forward to helping people get further into the festive spirit.”
Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Safer City and Culture said: “There’s a fantastic mix of events and activities taking place across the city throughout November and December, with plenty more to come before Christmas.
“Christmas shopping is in full swing and with the addition of the Christmas Village, the fantastic lights in the city centre and Mowbray Park as well as free street entertainment every Thursday and Saturday between now and Christmas, Sunderland can offer something for everyone. We can also offer free parking at certain times to make it even easier to make the most of shopping locally”
Jack Cuddihy of Maplin Electronics, Sunderland added: “We’ve had frequent visits from the guys (Santa’s Elves) who installed the Christmas Village wanting some extra bits and pieces to make sure that the Christmas Village looks wonderful and it certainly does.”
“It’s tells a lovely festive tale of the run up to Christmas and it’s great to see so many people coming into the city to enjoy it.”
Sunderland Live’s Christmas Village is available to view for free every day until December 24th between 9am and 8pm.
For full details of the Christmas programme visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk or pick up a Christmas Programme from the City Library and Arts Centre or city centre traders.
