COLD weather failed to prevent around 5,000 people attending the Christmas lights switch on in Redcar to kick off the town's festive programme.
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Santa himself and Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Carole Morgan, switched on the lights amidst all the fun, which went ahead after the weather improved on Sunday night following Storm Arwen.
Cllr Morgan said: “It was a huge pleasure to help switch on the Christmas lights in Redcar and it was heartening to see that the cold weather didn’t stop so many of our families getting out having a great time, including taking the chance to meet Santa himself.
Redcar Christmas lights switch on Picture: DAVE CHARNLEY
"I know there are other fantastic events planned right across the borough and our local shops and hospitality businesses are really going the extra mile this year - there’s no need to leave our amazing borough to have a wonderful Christmas time.”
Highlights on Sunday included a festive Illumination Parade, sponsored by the Tees Valley Community Fund, featuring professional performers, artists, dancers and musicians.
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They were joined by 260 residents from across the borough, who have taken part in months of workshops with professional local artists to create an array of lanterns and costumes for the parade theme of ‘Fire and Ice’.
The workshops involved a further 100 residents, who were unable to attend in person due to shielding; but loved being involved in the process.
Redcar Christmas lights switch on Picture: DAVE CHARNLEY
Another event will be held in Redcar on Saturday, December 11, when an Ice Trail with winter walkabout will come to Redcar’s High Street and Esplanade, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
From 10am-6pm, visitors can expect magical ice sculptures, a live ice carve and an ice workshop with its very own ice post box.
Santa’s elves will be on hand to help write and post letters to Santa and there’ll be an array of festive performances to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit.
Across the rest of the borough, there will be:
- ‘Sparkling Marske’ Christmas Festival – Thursday 2 December
- Eston Christmas Market – Friday 3 December
- Guisborough’s Twilight Christmas Market – Tuesday 7 December (TBC*) This event date is subject to road closure approval, therefore subject to change. Check the Guisborough Town Council website for confirmed details of the event.
- Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Community Carol Service – Thursday 16 December – 7pm – St. Mark’s Church, Marske
- Boxing Day Dip 2021 – 11am – from Redcar Lifeboat Station slipway
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