Watch the moment Newcastle's Christmas lights were switched on, signalling the start of the festive season
Newcastle got the Christmas season underway on Tuesday, November 12.
The ceremonial start of the festive season in Newcastle came on Tuesday evening when hundreds of people took to the streets of the city centre.
Tyneside’s biggest Christmas light switch on saw crowds fill the top end of Grey Street and around Grey’s Monument to watch a series of children’s characters including Shrek, Spider Man and Mickey and Minnie Mouse to keep the young crowd entertained.
Joe McElderry, X Factor star and cast member in the Theatre Royal’s panto this winter, also took to the stage with a rendition of Chris Rea’s festive classic Driving Home For Christmas.
The singer was then joined by Santa Claus and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Rob Higgins to turn on the lights and get the festive season underway.
Lighting up the streets of Newcastle, decorations run the length of Grainger Street, Grey Street and Northumberland Street with an illuminated sign marking the southern end of the latter.
A large Christmas tree has also been installed in Old Eldon Square - a site which will be home to part of the city’s Christmas market which opens on Saturday, November 16.