06/07/2010
Grey Street will meet Coronation Street this November as the city announces the date for the official start of Newcastle’s Christmas festivities, the Christmas lights switch on ceremony.
The glittering evening will take place on Thursday, 18 November from 5.30pm on Grey Street and former Coronation Street star Tupele Dorgu will be adding a bit of magic to the celebrations.
Tupele, who played Kelly Crabtree in the legendary soap, will star as the Sorceress in this year’s Theatre Royal pantomime Robin Hood which starts on Tuesday, 30 November.
Panto co-stars Clive Webb and Danny Adams who are playing Friar Tuck and Robin Hood in this year’s show will join Tupele on stage with their own brand of slapstick humour.
The evening will be hosted by Steve Walls who will get everyone in a festive mood with a traditional singsong and the Real Radio breakfast team will be on hand with competitions and more Christmas classics.
This year Newcastle’s Grainger Street, Nun Street, Nelson Street and the Quayside will join in the festivities. They will be illuminated by Christmas lights with support from Business Improvement District company, Newcastle NE1.
Newcastle NE1 is an independent company set up to deliver practical improvements to Newcastle city centre and lobby on behalf of the business community. Its primary role is to create long-term value for business by delivering improvements in the city.
It will also be a special night for the winners of the Design a Christmas Light competition who will receive their prizes on stage and see their finished designs unveiled.
Cllr Pauline Allen, Newcastle City Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, said: “The Christmas lights ceremony is always an important night for the city and I’m sure this year’s event will be a tremendous success. I am delighted the Theatre Royal’s pantomime stars are helping us once again by kicking off Newcastle’s festive season in style.”
Jo Kirby, the Theatre Royal’s Director of Sales and Marketing said: “We are proud to be supporting the switch on of the Christmas lights once again. It is always an special night for the theatre and a great honour for everyone involved in our pantomime. Tupele, Clive and Danny are really excited about this year’s event and can’t wait to meet the people of Newcastle.”
Adrian Waddell, Operations Manager, Newcastle NE1 commented: “NE1 is delighted to have supported the expansion of the Christmas lights and to see the festivities extended over more of the city’s streets. We hope more people and businesses will enjoy the spectacle.”