A COMMUNITY event to celebrate the start of the Christmas period is being held in Consett next week.

The festive fun in Blackhill and Consett Park on Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm includes a free session to make your own decorations, music, theatre, Frosty Magic characters and children’s rides before the cast of the local pantomime, Aladdin, turn on the tree lights.

It has been organised by the Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership Friends of Blackhill and Consett Park and Leisureworks.

Last weekend residents turned out in force to support a Christmas in Consett day during which residents picked their top three priorities for next year by choosing a specially coloured bauble for each one from a list of ten.

Pupils from eight local primary schools will also be adding their own handmade decorations to the trees.

Corinne Walton, Derwent Valley AAP coordinator, said: “We had a huge turn out with the baubles the first time and now we are giving people another chance.

“It is a bit of festive fun with a serious message as the coloured baubles quickly show what people would like us to tackle as top priorities for next year.”