Thousands turn out to see annual camel parade in South Shields

Thousands of people turned out to see the fourth annual camel parade in South Shields.
Spark! Drummers and characters in the parade.Spark! Drummers and characters in the parade.
Spark! Drummers and characters in the parade.

Spectators of all ages braved the wintry weather and lined Ocean Road to see the animals travel through the town carrying three wise men and accompanied by a host of entertainers.

Part of South Tyneside Council’s Christmas Wonderland programme, the event was again a highlight of this year’s festive celebrations.

Spark! Drummers and characters in the parade.Spark! Drummers and characters in the parade.
Spark! Drummers and characters in the parade.
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Alongside the parade, families were treated to winter wonderland attractions including festive stilt walkers and illuminated characters.

Spark! Drummers also made a comeback, showing off their choreographed performances set to different lighting effects.

They were joined by about 50 children from local cubs and scout groups carrying festive lanterns.

Karlie Mole, 28, from South Shields, was there with her son Tristan Mole, seven.

The camel parade in  South Shields.The camel parade in  South Shields.
The camel parade in South Shields.
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She said: “We have never been before and we are so excited to see it.”

“It is a great event for the kids.”

The event also featured a range of characters created by the Creative Seed CIC run by husband and wife team Garner and Sandy Harris.

The couple were also responsible for the variety of colourful costumes seen during this year’s summer parade in July.

Fireworks at the camel parade.Fireworks at the camel parade.
Fireworks at the camel parade.

The evening of entertainment closed with a performance from Dan Metcalf and a fireworks display after the camels left the area.

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Coun Alan Kerr, deputy leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for culture and leisure, said: “The camel parade is one of the highlights of our Christmas Wonderland programme.

“It is always a wonderful family event with a lively atmosphere, top-class music and spectacular fireworks to get people in the mood for Christmas.”