Lighting up the City

The festive season at intu Eldon Square launched with the city centre's Christmas lights switch on, and malls were illuminated with world-class entertainment including internationally renowned street theatre as well as interactive children's entertainment. Bringing the wow factor the malls, captivating street theatre Spark! -  a magical music, movement and lighting spectacular that was warmly received by shoppers, alongside ethereal crystal ball jugglers Calvos, who worked their magic throughout the centre. Youngsters were invited to be part of the action by collecting a FREE illuminated wrist band, and enjoyed meeting the Snow Princesses as well as taking part in a free magical arts & craft station where they created their own tiaras, snowflakes and snowman masks. The stars from Aladdin, this year’s panto at The Tyne Theatre and Opera House, gave shoppers the chance to win a family ticket to the show, and youngsters were also given the opportunity to check out their singing skills to win a fun party with Ginger Parties. Joan Taylor, intu Eldon Square ’s marketing manager, said: “Joining forces with the lights switch on in the city centre was the perfect way to launch Christmas at intu Eldon Square - it felt as though the whole of the North East came out to play. We welcomed shoppers into our warm festive shopping centre before and after they enjoyed the spectacle of the outside switch on. Our own Christmas decoration scheme, is really something to see in itself, featuring over 100,000 pealights and in excess of 25,000 baubles and ornaments. Giant sculptural floor standing gift boxes throughout the centre provide a setting for a dazzling display of light and colour, heralding the festive season. We’re on the countdown!”