Stockton Sparkles: Festivities begin with Christmas lights

In what will be an almost month-long schedule of events, the Stockton Sparkles officially began with entertainment, fairground rides, and street stalls on Thursday.

And there's also the return of the Christmas Markets, Lantern Parade and Festive Tipi to look forward to over the coming weeks.

Stockton High Street was transformed into a winter wonderland for the Sparkles launch night, with entertainment from 5pm on Thursday.

Here are the photos from the opening of Stockton Sparkles:Photos: STU BOULTON.

The evening was hosted by popular BBC Tees presenter, Gary Philipson, who was joined on the stage by Dan Westwood and Santa himself.

And the ever-popular Singing Christmas Tree returned with a 50-strong community choir, 'Stockton Sings', accompanied by Loud Noises and the Apollo House Band featuring Marina Gears.

Street theatre performers were also on hand keep the audience entertained.

The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Jim Beall, switched on the lights at 6.30pm.

Another main feature of the event was the 50-foot Ferris wheel and carousel, which will be in Stockton until Sunday, November 26.

But this is just the pre-event for the main Christmas Market, which will be in the town between Thursday, November 30 and Sunday, December 3.

There will be 22 cabins housing a range of local traders offering gifts like candles, digital prints and Christmas decorations.

Plus, there will also be a host of food and drink on offer, including pizza, cookies, pies and more.

The markets will be open from 10am until 4pm on Thursday, Friday (December 1) and Saturday (December 2) - and from 11am until 5pm on Sunday (December 3).

Stories with Santa will also return on Thursday (November 30) and Friday (December 1), with a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter present.

Here's some more images of the event:

Photos: Dawn McNamara Photography.

Sessions are designed to engage school, nursery and community groups, but there will be a very limited number of tickets available from the Enjoy Stockton-on-Tees shop from November 20, as well as a small number available on the day.

On Saturday (December 2), there will be mini candle pot workshops with New Leaf at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

This is a ticketed workshop with limited spaces and tickets will be available from the Enjoy Stockton-on-Tees shop from November 20, as well as a small number available on the day.

Then on Sunday (December 3), there will be drop-in Christmas card-making workshops with Dawn Evans and Letters to Santa with PEG Creations. No tickets are needed for these workshops.

Rounding-off the Christmas Markets weekend with the Lantern Parade

The dazzling Lantern Parade is back at 4pm on Sunday, December 3, with 'Walking in a Winter Wonderland' as the theme.

Participating schools have made their own lanterns with artists Morwenna Catt, Adele Catchpole, and Jane Bizimana.

Audiences will be entertained with music from Apollo - and there will also be free glitter painting available from the Sparkle Scene.

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Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "It's always so exciting when Stockton Sparkles arrives - and once again there will be something for the whole family to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas.

"The Sparkles events are going to start in style with the launch event, so get yourself along to Stockton High Street on November 23 for an evening of fun entertainment!

"And remember to stay tuned to our social media channels for further information on these upcoming events."