One of the region’s most popular Christmas markets returns this weekend.
The North Shields Christmas Market takes place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, at Northumberland Square and Howard Street in North Shields town centre.
The event is expected to attract thousands of shoppers and features around 70 stalls selling a wide variety of festive gifts, crafts, food and drink.
Local churches and the Salvation Army will open the market at 10am on the Saturday with a short service, followed by performances from choirs and schoolchildren throughout the weekend.
Northumberland Square will host a food and drink village, featuring some of region’s favourite street food traders and bars selling mulled wine. There will also be a selection of fairground rides around the square.
Families can meet some festive characters and enjoy free Christmas crafts and games at the Beacon Centre on Saturday 6 (10am – 12pm) and Sunday 7 (12pm - 2pm).
North Shields Community Hub and Library will be hosting free children’s crafts, a Christmas quiz and an elf treasure hunt both days between 10am and 4pm.
There will also be the opportunity to write letters to Santa, listen to Christmas stories in French as well as some stalls (Saturday only).
The Blyth and Tyne Model Railway event also takes place this weekend between 10am and 4pm at their venue above Asda on Saville Street. There will be over 20 model railway layouts and refreshments (admission charges apply).
The market is open 10am until 5pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday. The event is organised by North Tyneside Council and supported by Bernicia Homes and the Beacon Shopping Centre.
For more information see the Visit North Tyneside website.