FESTIVE surroundings and winter activities will be in full flow in Bishop Auckland later this month when a bumper entertainment package to entertain shoppers comes to the town.

As part of this year’s Christmas schedule, the Bishop Auckland Town Team will be putting together a combination of music, family activities and much more.

Read more: Darlington Christmas present giveaway for families in need

This Saturday (December 4), children will be invited to visit Santa at the Newgate Shopping Centre between 10am and 3pm. He will then be visiting each Saturday up until Saturday, December 18.

The Town Team have announced that it will be free to see Santa, and there’s an opportunity to have your photo taken with him. From just £1, people will receive a 6” x 4” colour photo within just a few minutes for an instant holiday memory.

The Northern Echo: Most of the festive activities in Bishop Auckland will take place in Newgate Shopping Centre.Most of the festive activities in Bishop Auckland will take place in Newgate Shopping Centre.

There will be festive music playing and entertainment from Innovations, Ruth Stapleton, Jenna Highfield and Steven Berry, plus there will be free face painting for the children.

Clive Auld, chair of the Bishop Auckland Town Team, has said that there will be much more in store this year, including a Christmas Raffle and a chance to win a luxury hamper.

He said: "In addition to Santa and the entertainment this year, people will also have the chance to win a luxury Christmas hamper in the ‘Christmas Raffle.’

“For just £1 a ticket, people could win a luxury hamper worth over £100!

"Tickets will be available to purchase from the Town Team volunteers on each Saturday at the events, and the draw will take place at 3pm on Saturday, December 18."

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