A Christmas procession complete with camels in South Shields.
When: 6th December 2013
Where: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
£: Free
What is it?
A Christmas procession, complete with carols and camels, is heading to the streets of South Tyneside.
On Friday 6th December groups of school children and carol singers from across the borough will walk the streets of South Shields, carrying lanterns and singing a range of Christmas classics. Those taking part will make their way from South Shields Museum to St Hilda’s Garden and the market square. They will be led by three shepherds and a trio of kings riding camels, in honour of the three wise men’s journey to deliver gifts to baby Jesus.
Visitors are invited to join in the celebrations by lining the mile-long route, which will also take in the town’s popular King Street shopping area. Following the procession, a traditional nativity will be unveiled in St Hilda’s Garden, alongside a shimmering festive lights display featuring glowing Santas, reindeer and trees, which will remain lit throughout the festive period.
There will also be a special Christmas Fair running throughout the afternoon, with stalls selling everything from decorations and gifts to accessories and food. The fair, which will be held in a specially-erected marquee next to market square, will then continue to run on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December, offering a host of seasonal shopping opportunities across the weekend.
It all forms part of a series of events running across South Tyneside throughout the festive period, which will come together to create the Christmas Wonderland 2013. The initiative, organised by South Tyneside Council, will also include main light switch-ons at Jarrow (Friday 22nd November), South Shields (Saturday 23rd November) and Hebburn (Monday 25th November), as well as a Santa’s grotto at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery and a puppet show at St Hilda’s church.
The Christmas Fair will be open from 2pm until 6pm on Friday 6th December, with the camel-led Christmas procession starting at around 4pm and the St Hilda’s Garden light switch-on at 5pm.
More info: Visit www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk, www.facebook.com/southtynesideevents or follow STynesideEvents on Twitter.