Bishop Auckland has been taken over by tipis, twinkling lights, and a sprinkling of festive magic as the popular Christmas Town returns for another year.
The 10-day event kicked off its second year in town on November 29, with Market Place packed full of food trucks, local traders, an ice rink and even a Ferris wheel.
With around 35,000 people flocking to the town for last year's event, this year has upped the ante, with more than 60 local traders and around 60,000 expected to attend in 2024.
The not-for-profit event, which is free and runs everyday from now until Sunday, December 8 - may have only been open for a matter of hours - but visitors are already branding it “fabulous”.
The Northern Echo headed down for some festive fun on Saturday (November 30) evening to speak to organisers and families about why the Christmas Town is helping Bishop Auckland become the "Christmas capital of the North".
Peter Shelley, 68, who was enjoying the event with Christine Shelley, 71, and Kim Shelley, 27, praised the event, saying he feels the town has a good future ahead.
He said: “It’s very good here - there is a mix of things to do. There are kids' toys, face painting, things to eat, and a lot of stall holders seemed busy, which is nice.”
Peter added that he feels Bishop Auckland is “up and coming”, "It’s very positive for the area.”
Carol Williams, from Bishop Middleham, described the Christmas Town as “fabulous”. The 58-year-old said: “I think it provides everything for children of all ages, and for adults.
“There are plenty of food choices and the church [St Anne's C of E Church] is also beautiful.”
Carol added that she also recently visited Aglow, the light show located just steps away from the Christmas Town: “I was really surprised at how fabulous it was.”
Carly Vayro, who works for The Auckland Project, mirrored Carol's thoughts, hailing the event as “amazing” for the town.
The 34-year-old, who lives in Wolsingham, said: “It’s bringing people to the area - and it looks even better than last year.
“It is nice to have the town up and coming again - The high street will never be like it was before, but there are things we can do to move it forward like this.”
Bishop becoming a ‘go-to destination’
The Bishop Auckland Christmas town was created by Ben Tinkler, managing director of Bridge Creative, and Thomas Wales, managing director of Baccanalia, who were both thrilled at the response to this year’s event so far.
Ben, 33, told The Echo: “We have been planning this since January - we had more than 35,000 people here last year and we are expecting about 60,000 this year.
“We have had a really good reach and everybody has been saying that the town looks amazing and that it is great to see it so busy again.”
Thomas said: “We have been doing this for four years, the first one we put together in just eight weeks. Now we have people coming from Teesside, Newcastle, and York.
“Here, there is the Aglow light trail, Christmas at the Palace… Bishop Auckland is becoming the Christmas capital of the North East. It is becoming a bit of a go-to destination.”
Ben said the event is only continuing to grow - with Thomas highlighting the boost for local traders, with at least 90% being from the region.
Ben, who has worked with adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults for more than 10 years, also said there were 30 local adults with learning disabilities who were helping create the festive magic in the town this year.
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With the event staying put until December 8, there is still plenty of time to throw on your winter coats and lap up the atmosphere.
Those attending can expect merry makers’ workshops, a Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas bandstand with local performers and community groups, and even character meet and greets.
For more information on the event, read our article listing everything you need to know here: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24743028.bishop-auckland-christmas-town-timings-parking/
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