BARNARD Castle’s Christmas lights switch-on was bigger and better than ever this year.
Groups across the town came together to take part in a lantern parade – featuring many more participants compared to 12 months ago – from Hall Street to Scar Top, ending in the castle grounds where the walls were lit up in a blaze of colour.
Five community lantern-making workshops had been organised by staff at the TCR Hub led by artists Holly Scott, Suzanne Williams and Gemma McColl.
In addition to those who had attended the workshops, groups taking part in the parade included youngsters from Teesdale, Green Lane, St Mary’s and Montalbo schools, the YMCA and Middleton beavers.
Also adding a splash of colour were young dancers from the Melanie Edmenson School of Dance.
There was plenty to keep the big crowd entertained on Scar Top, including artist Hannah Kelly who brought her Travelling Tales installation to the town.
She has been collecting pictures from across the county which tell real or imagined stories of places where people live.
As part of Travelling Tales, Ms Kelly worked with Staindrop Academy and held a creative coffee morning.
Her display will be on show at The Hub in the next month.
The snow globe proved a popular attraction once again and MC Andrew Nicholson kept everyone entertained.
Santa called in at the Methodist Church Hall and proved hugely popular as young ones were only too happy to tell him how well behaved they had been and what they wanted him to bring down their chimney.
Rachel Tweddle, chief executive officer at The Hub thanked all those who had supported the event and made it such a success.
l Further up the dale, Middleton-in-Teesdale’s Christmas lights switch-on was made all the more poignant as the main tree was lit up in memory of a village stalwart.
Prolific festive lights fundraiser Yvonne Metcalfe’s favourite colour was purple so close friend Nancy Coll led a fundraising campaign to pay for special lights for this year’s event.
She and Yvonne’s daughter Louise had the honour of turning on the display.
Along with mulled wine, mince pies and other festive treats, the crowd was entertained by carollers and Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band.
