Steph Houghton to light up Dalton Park this Christmas

The football hero from Hetton will be leading the Christmas light switch on, alongside comedian Alfie Joey, this weekend.

The retail outlet in Murton is launching its festivities with a line-up of celebrations on Saturday, November 8 featuring the Christmas light switch-on, a firework display and the opening of Santa’s Grotto.

From 4.30pm, visitors are invited to experience entertainment throughout the outlet, with roaming performers that include stilt walking Christmas clowns, comical elves, mischievous characters, and a Toy Soldier brass band.

The night will be hosted by comedian Alfie with Steph leading the countdown and switching on Dalton Park’s sparkling new Christmas lights, including an LED Christmas tree centre piece.

This will be followed by a firework display over the Parkland.

Also on Saturday, November 8, Dalton Park's Santa’s Grotto will be opening and spreading Christmas joy every weekend in the lead up to Christmas, as well as on Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th December.

Children can meet Santa and his elves and share their Christmas wishes for £6 a child, with the option of a photograph for an additional £2.50.

To coincide with the Christmas lights switch on, the restaurants will remain open until 8.30pm on Saturday.

On Sunday, November 9, Dalton Park will be welcoming back its Winter Artisan Market with an array of stalls showcasing unique handcrafted products.

Visitors to Dalton Park can also take advantage of late-night shopping from Friday 28th November (Black Friday) until Tuesday 23rd December, with stores open until 7pm from Monday through to Saturday.

Sunday hours will remain as usual, from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Richard Kaye, Centre Manager at Dalton Park, said: "We’re thrilled to be kicking off the festive season with a great line-up of Christmas events. The Christmas light switch-on is always a highlight for our community, and this year will be bigger and better than ever.”