Fenwick Christmas window reveal brings much-loved children's story to life

This year’s theme has been revealed The Gruffalo’s Child, bringing the much-loved children’s story to life in a magical festive display, created in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and Magic Light Pictures.

The spectacular window transports visitors into the deep, dark wood, where the Gruffalo's child embarks on a daring adventure while her father sleeps.

Set against a magical snowy woodland, the story unfolds as she tiptoes through the forest in search of the mysterious Big Bad Mouse, encountering familiar characters along the way.

As the adventure continues, the little mouse casts a giant shadow beneath the moonlight, frightening the Gruffalo's child and sending her scurrying back through the snowy woodland.

With Santa's sleigh gliding through the night sky, the story takes a festive turn as she returns to her cosy home, complete with a twinkling Christmas tree, beautifully wrapped presents and a glowing fire.

The display concludes with the Gruffalo's child snuggled up beside the Gruffalo, surrounded by the warmth, wonder and magic of Christmas.

Dame Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo’s Child, comments: “It’s wonderful to see The Gruffalo’s Child brought to life in such a magical way at Fenwick.

"The Fenwick Christmas windows are such a loved tradition in Newcastle, and I’m delighted that the story will be part of creating special memories for families this year.

Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo's Child, added: “It’s a real pleasure to see the world of The Gruffalo’s Child brought to life on such a grand scale.

“From the snowy forest and much-loved characters to the movement within the windows, it’s wonderful to see my illustrations transformed into something so imaginative and full of life.”

Mia Fenwick, CEO of Fenwick, said: “For generations, the unveiling of the Fenwick Christmas Window has marked the start of the festive season, bringing families together from across the North East and beyond.

“Bringing The Gruffalo to our windows has been a long-held ambition, and we couldn’t be more delighted to make it happen in such a special year for this much-loved character.”

This year's reveal took place on Sunday, November 1, as crowds gathered on Northumberland Street to share in one of Newcastle's most anticipated moments of the year.

Among those invited were children and families from Fenwick's partner schools, hospitals and charities, alongside lucky winners of the Christmas Window Reveal ballot.

Continuing another much-loved festive collaboration, Fenwick has once again partnered with Royal Northern Sinfonia, based at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, to create a specially recorded soundtrack for the Christmas Window.

This year's music is a playful reimagining of Edvard Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King, performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia and conducted by James Weeks.

Arranged by Ian Anderson, the familiar piece has been given a festive twist, with sleigh bells and playful animal sounds woven into the music to bring the window's story to life.

James Thomas, Executive Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical Music at The Glasshouse, said: “There's something really special about being part of Fenwick's Christmas Window.

“It's a tradition that means so much to people across the North East, and we're delighted that Royal Northern Sinfonia can help bring the story to life through music once again."