A "SINGING Christmas tree" kicked off Stockton's Christmas festivities.
A 60-strong choir in a tree formation, backed by local band the Wildcats of Kilkenny, took to the tree to sing a series of Christmas classics in the build-up to the town's Christmas lights being switched on.
The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, Mayor of Stockton Ken Dixon, and Mayoress Linda Dixon joined Santa to turn on the lights on Thursday.
Mayor Dixon said: “It was an absolute pleasure to push the button and make Stockton sparkle, and it was especially nice to see so many families in town enjoying themselves.
"The singing Christmas tree made a great centrepiece for the occasion and the street theatre and brass band made it all the more special."
The Sparkles festival continues through to Christmas, with a festive market in the town until Sunday, street theatre, and in the coming weeks, a Victorian funfair and reindeer parade.
For details of the full Stockton Sparkles programme, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles
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