Fantastic aerial pictures have shown how the twinkling Bishop Auckland Christmas town looks from above. 

The County Durham town has been taken over by stalls, tipis, and even a carousel as the special 10-day event kicked off on November 29. 

From enjoying skating around an ice rink to lapping up the atmosphere with a hot chocolate in hand, there's plenty to do at the Christmas Town this year - and it's already been praised by families and visitors as being a “fabulous” addition. 

Now, new pictures, taken by Liam Dobinson, have shown off how the town looks from above - with Market Place illuminated by the bright lights of the event. 

The Bishop Auckland Christmas Town from aboveThe Bishop Auckland Christmas Town from above (Image: Liam Dobinson)

Around 60,000 people are expected to attend this year - up from 35,000 last year - with the free event running every day from now until Sunday, December 8.

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. 

The Northern Echo headed down for some festive fun on Saturday (November 30) - and both the organisers and visitors couldn't have been more positive. 

The Bishop Auckland Christmas Town from aboveThe Bishop Auckland Christmas Town from above (Image: Liam Dobinson)

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.”

Thomas Wales, managing director of Baccanalia, who created the town with Ben Tinkler, managing director of Bridge Creative, said they were both thrilled at the response.


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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.” 

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/