Partner Article

Countdown to Christmas at intu Metrocentre

Shoppers started the countdown to Christmas in style with a weekend of free, festive entertainment for all the family at intu Metrocentre.

On Saturday intu Metrocentre’s Heads of Fun Connie Barber and Ben Osborne joined Santa and the Metrognomes at Town Square to switch on the centre’s amazing display of Christmas lights, delighting a huge crowd of Christmas shoppers.

The festive winter weekender was a two day extravaganza heralding the start of the festive season, featuring magical animatronic characters, roaming entertainment, dance performances, music, food sampling and competitions galore.

Youngsters eagerly anticipating a white Christmas immersed themselves in an artificial snow pit, which turned out to be the perfect place to make snow angels, providing all the fun of the festive season without the chill!

The winter wonderland theme continued with a special visit from Bjorn the Polar Bear - an animatronic polar bear puppet complete with blinking eyes, a sniffing nose, moving mouth and realistic sounds.

Over the course of the weekend local musicians added to the festival atmosphere while Fairytale Princesses and the Metrognomes entertained shoppers on the malls. Visitors were also treated to the comedy capers of the electro-glide snow angels who roamed the centre spreading Christmas cheer and their very own brand of festive magic.

Santa’s free Grotto, in association with Playmobil, opened on Saturday and runs until Christmas Eve. Every child visiting Santa receives a free gift and has the chance to tell Santa what’s on their Christmas wish list.

Donna Grieves, from Washington, Christmas shopping with daughter Beau (4) said: “We’ve had such a lovely afternoon, Beau loved seeing the snow angels and was mesmerised by the polar bear. We’re going to have to come back tomorrow with her older brother to see it again!”

John McFadden from Sunderland, with his son Jack (6) added: “Jack is a huge Playmobil fan so he was thrilled to get that particular present after his visit to Santa, and he really enjoyed visiting the snow pit where all the kids were having a great time. Looks like the run up to Christmas has started!”

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said:

“At intu Metrocentre there’s always a wonderful atmosphere in the run up to Christmas – with sparkling decorations, tasty festive treats and an array of shops with perfect gifts for loved ones.

“We hope that our winter weekend of fun has added an extra touch of magic to the festive season. Fabulous free entertainment, creative children’s activities and the chance to meet Santa Claus is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, make magical memories and start Christmassing!

Our extended Christmas opening hours begin on Monday 13 November, and we’ll be open from 9 am – 10 pm weekdays; 9 am – 8 pm Saturdays, and the usual Sunday opening times from 11 am – 5pm.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lyn Spencer .