The celebrations got underway on Friday, November 25 as the lights were turned on and members of the community gathered for Boldon CA’s Christmas Festival at Boldon Community Centre, which also featured refreshments, rides and stalls. And it was a magical start to the Christmas season for many families, who turned out to enjoy the fun.
See if you can spot anyone you recognise in our picture round-up, from photographer Stu Norton.
For more information about the work of Boldon CA, find them on Facebook here.
For more information about the work of Boldon CA, find them on Facebook here.
![Jimmy Montgomery, Kate Osborne MP, Cllr Alison Strike, centre manager Sue Topping and Boldon School deputy head Mr Welsh all play a part in flipping the switch.](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmMyMGQxMTA0LWJjNTQtNDcxNi05ZDE5LWUxMDNlZDg0Njc1ZjpkMWE5YmNmNC0xMWRkLTRjZTMtYTkzNi1jOTgwYTg0MDNhZDQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Let there be light!
Jimmy Montgomery, Kate Osborne MP, Cllr Alison Strike, centre manager Sue Topping and Boldon School deputy head Mr Welsh all play a part in flipping the switch. Photo: Stu Norton
![Can you spot one of your favourite characters putting in an appearance at the Christmas lights switch-on?](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjFiZDY0NzFiLWFmYWUtNGM0Mi1hZDYwLTk0Mzk3YmYwODIwNTozMmMyZWQ2My1jMTc0LTQ5NGMtYmNmMC04NDYxMWE0MmY2NGM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. The whole gang
Can you spot one of your favourite characters putting in an appearance at the Christmas lights switch-on? Photo: Stu Norton
![Fun on the teacup ride as the Christmas Festival gets underway.](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ1ZDUwMjI4LTUyMDYtNDlhYi04ODZiLTk2ODE1ZGU3ZTZlODo3MTk1OGQyNC0wMzMxLTRmZTctYmM2OS03ZTVjNTY0OGJhYmM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. All aboard
Fun on the teacup ride as the Christmas Festival gets underway. Photo: Stu Norton
![Wooly hats at the ready as winter arrives in the region - and Christmas lights too!](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjdhZGVhNGMwLTYxZWYtNDg3MC04N2Q2LTZjZmQ1MTBlOGY2ODo1ZWM0MzNjZS02NGY2LTRiMDgtOTA1My1hMDAwYzU5YjU2MjM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. Ready for the weather
Wooly hats at the ready as winter arrives in the region - and Christmas lights too! Photo: Stu Norton