Despite the cold and rain, our annual Snow Party event was as big as ever!
What a delight St Edmund’s Christmas Tree Festival was this year. This biennial festival calls upon local organisations, businesses, community groups and local schools to sponsor a tree and decorate it within a set theme. This year’s theme was ‘Christmas Stories & Books’. The church came alive with 35 lit trees, each telling their own festive story. The Mayor of Sedgefield, Cllr Peter Hinde, ran a craft competition in both local primary schools in the week leading up to the event, decorating his tree with their wonderful crafts. You can read more about that here.
Santa’s Grotto in Sedgefield Parish Hall opened its doors at noon, with 90 children experiencing a magic visit with the big man himself. Over the span of three hours, Santa and his Head Elf listened to requests, sang songs, took lots of pictures and even cracked some jokes. With visitors from 2 months old to 11 years old, each one left with a wrapped gift to pop under their tree (although many couldn’t wait until they were out the door!).
A few steps away in the main hall, children enjoyed the bouncy castle, face painter and some fun games and challenges put together by Chi Taekwondo who raised funds for their club. Sedgefield Youth Club manned the kitchen once again for a fundraising Christmas bake sale with treats baked especially for the occasion. Thank you to everyone supporting these causes!
Across the town, Ceddesfeld Hall was bustling with life as the Craft Fayre began. In addition to the fantastic local stalls selling a variety of trinkets, crafts and gifts, Sedgefield Uniformed District Services Group provided some much-needed warm drinks and nibbles to help everyone brave the miserable weather! Thank you to SDUSG and SCA for all your support and hard work.
With his sack of gifts now empty, Santa made his way over to St Edmund’s Church with Head Elf in tow. This year’s carol service, led by Lay Reader Michael King and Rev’d Rachel Wilson, had musical accompaniment from Sedgefield’s Ukulele Group. The Church was packed to capacity for a joyful service surrounded by the magical Christmas trees!
By this point, the rain was coming down heavy and fast. Our illuminated snowmen hadn’t brought their waterproofs so they stayed in the shelter of the grotto as the light switch on began. After a quick walk around greeting and talking to the families gathered in the rain, Santa and the Mayor, Cllr Peter Hinde, took their place at the podium.
The Mayor revved up the crowd for the draw of our glow-raffle – a £1 ticket secured to a glow stick sold in the council offices and local primary schools all month. The winner is awarded the honour of switching on the town’s Christmas lights and receives a Beamish Unlimited Family (2+2) Pass Voucher to redeem and enjoy all year round. Congratulations to Jessica, Age 7, for holding the lucky ticket and illuminating Sedgefield for us this year. After a countdown, Jessica pressed the big button and was awarded her prize.
I’m sure you’ll agree that the Christmas Tree lights look amazing this year. As you can imagine, it’s no easy feat getting those wrapped round such a large tree! Thank you to all local organisations, contractors and of course our staff and volunteers who make this event such a big success.
Christmas has begun!