Alnwick gears up for Christmas with lights installed ahead of silent switch on

The market place has been fully decorated with a tree donated by Northumberland Estates taking centre stage.

In addition, the east facing side of Bondgate Tower has been decorated as normal and the Welcome to Alnwick sign raised beside The Plough.

However, coronavirus meant the team could not refurbish or erect the much loved 118 mounted displays round town or the long cables of Christmas bulbs on top of shops.

Covid rules also prevent a formal switch-on ceremony so there will be a secret one instead.

The lights fund was boosted by a £500 donation from the John Bull pub thanks to funds raised by its letter draw over the past year.

The committee has not sought funds from other businesses this year because of the financial pressures they are under and the limited display.

Alnwick Lions have also been getting their Santa sleigh ready to visit local communities next month.

The dates are as follows: December 5 – Alnmouth, 4pm; December 7 – Shilbottle, 6pm; December 8 – Alnwick North and Central, 6pm; December 9 – Alnwick South, 6pm; December 10 – Longhoughton, 6pm.

Meanwhile, Swansfield Primary School PTA has organised a Christmas window fundraiser with 28 local households taking part.

Trail leaflets which will include the map and have a question to answer about each window will be available from the Alnwick Gallery and other local stores to be confirmed. All entrants also go into a prize draw made up of great gifts.

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