New toy parade to boost Ashington’s Christmas lights switch-on
18 Nov 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
An exciting new programme of family friendly cultural events and activities is launching in Ashington – starting with a spectacular toy parade to complement the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.
The County Council has appointed outdoor arts producers ‘Walk the Plank’ to deliver the new Animating Ashington programme, with cultural events and activities that will include families and communities, bringing visitors and magical experiences to the streets of Ashington.
First up is the Christmas Toy Procession, featuring fairy creatures and festive characters which will come to life and animate the high street and celebrate the opening of the programme on Thursday, November 28th..
It will take place on Station Road at 2pm, 3:45pm and 5:20pm ahead of the Town Council’s Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On outside Savers. A host of other activities are happening during the afternoon with more information available on the Town Council’s website and social media channels.
The event is free to attend and many local shops will extend their hours for the event, allowing visitors to enjoy some festive shopping. Station Road will be closed to vehicles between 2pm and 7pm and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of all the activities that are freely offered and to secure a good viewing spot for the parade and light switch-on.
The Animating Ashington programme has been commissioned by Northumberland County Council with funding from the North East Combined Authority and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the aim of increasing footfall and spend to boost the town centre. It is part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme to grow, renew and connect the town.
Running until August 2025, residents and visitors to Ashington can expect to see, enjoy and be part of a series of spectacular events, interactive workshops and community projects.
The programme aims to connect with local high street businesses and communities, encouraging them to get involved and reap the benefits of the positive changes taking place in the town centre.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities, said: "This event programme is a valuable part of our regeneration plans, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the town. Walk the Plank, the Town Council and a range of organisations in Ashington have come together to put on an even bigger and better programme for this year’s Christmas events which promises to be quite the spectacle. I’m looking forward to seeing all the other events that are being planned in 2025 too.”
Sharon Parmley, Communication and Engagement Officer for the Town Council said: “The Christmas Lights switch on is one of the towns big events and we are pleased to join forces with the Animating Ashington project to make it even better this year with the new Toy Procession.
“We hope everyone is looking forward to visiting the town centre later on this month to enjoy the event marking the start of the Christmas period. In the weeks following the switch-on, residents and visitors can also participate in the popular Christmas Trail, featuring over 20 shops across Station Road, Woodhorn Road, Lintonville Terrace, and North Seaton Road. Additionally, local businesses will compete in a Christmas Window Display competition, adding to the town’s festive atmosphere.”
Walk the Plank’s Senior Producer Bev Ayre added: "We are excited to be part of Ashington's regeneration journey. We look forward to collaborating with the community and bringing creative experiences that resonate with everyone."
For more information about the Christmas lights switch-on go to https://www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/ashinton-event/2024-11-28-christmas-light-switch-on-with-lantern-toy-parade