THE Bishop of Durham launched Christmas celebrations in his home town last night by lighting up a tree at the gates to his official residence.
The Right Rev Tom Wright performed the simple ceremony at Bishop Auckland Town Council’s tree outside Auckland Castle.
Children from the Buddies and York House nurseries sang carols.
On Sunday (Dec 7) a Dickensian Festival takes over the town’s Market Place where there will also be street entertainment on the next three Saturdays.
Extra Christmas markets are scheduled for Monday December 22 until Christmas Eve.
Town centre manager Steve McCormick said: There is a lot to put shoppers in a festive mood.
"As well as plenty on offer from our town centre shops, I’m confident that what is being provided in the form of entertainment will go some way to providing a magical atmosphere in Bishop Auckland this Christmas.
"People can come along to the town centre knowing that there will be a special atmosphere and that something will be going on to entertain them."
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