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Sunderland gets in the festive mood
There are only 35 days to go to Christmas Day so it's time to get in the spirit. This weekend the city's celebrations kick off with the annual parade. And there's lots more in store over the coming weeks.
Christmas is coming to Sunderland this weekend, with fairytale characters, reindeers and even real snow.
Festivities begin in the city in style on Sunday with a day of family-focused activities including the return of the annual Christmas Parade.
Santa and his herd of real reindeers will be leading the parade from Bedford Street (near Joplings) at 1pm, travelling down John Street, Fawcett Street, High Street West and Union Street to Market Square.
They will be joined on their magical journey by characters from a number of pantomime productions including Sunderland's Royalty Theatre and the Theatre Restaurant.
There will also be the chance to see a huge array of fun Christmas characters, including roller-booting snowmen, life-size Christmas crackers, mischievous elves and other festive favourites, alongside dancers from the Kathleen Davis School of Dance and Fishburn Brass Band.
Louise Hardy, of Sunderland City Centre Management, said: "Last year's parade was a huge success but this year it looks set to be bigger and better than ever, with something to keep visitors of all ages entertained."
After the parade, visitors will be able to relax in Market Square with a chance to see Santa's reindeers and have fun in the special children's play area, complete with real snow.
Real Radio's roadshow team will also be on hand throughout the afternoon to lead the crowd in a variety of sing-a-longs and games, before they join the real stars of the Peter Pan pantomime to turn on the Bridge's Christmas lights at 4.30pm.
After that, Sunderland's Christmas festival will continue in earnest from November 20 through until January 3, with an outdoor ice rink in Mowbray Park and a traditional Victorian Carousel and continental food court taking up residence in the city's Market Square from November 25.
The Market Square will also play host to a series of live carol singing and brass band performances every Thursday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout this period. For those still searching for gifts or just looking for a chance to treat themselves, the first-ever Christmas Farmers Market is being held at Park Lane from 9.30am until 2.30pm on Friday, November 27.
And, the following day (Saturday, November 28), The Place Sunniside will be hosting a Christmas Art Fair, showcasing a diverse range of quality, affordable arts and crafts produced by local artists from 10am until 4pm.
"These events have been designed to give shoppers in Sunderland a chance to buy more unusual gifts and show their support for local retailers as well as for the city's existing stores," said Louise.
For all the city's good girls and boys, Santa Claus will be at home in his grotto on the ground floor of the City Library and Arts Centre every Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon until January 2, with the chance to take part in additional children's' activities for those who visit on a Thursday.
Visitors can also join Santa every Sunday in The Bridges when he will be taking a break from making toys to spend time meeting local children and telling stories.
"We're hoping to grant as many Christmas wishes as possible with our packed programme of activities," said Louise, "but I'm sure Santa will be more than happy to try and tackle anything we don't manage to achieve."
* For more information about the 2009 Sunderland Christmas Festival visit www.sunderlandcitycentre.co.uk
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
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