Bishop Auckland College students to shine at Christmas Town extravaganza

Bishop Auckland College students are showcasing their talents at Christmas Town, with performances from music and performing arts students throughout the event. The College is also supporting the event through sponsorship and providing valuable work

Bishop Auckland College students are set to play a starring role in this year's Christmas Town celebrations, adding their talents to the festive magic that will transform the town into a winter wonderland.

Students will take centre stage at various times throughout the ten-day event, which runs from November 29 to December 8.

Catch talented HND student Aimee Ballantyne on Tuesday, December 3 at 4.30pm with songs including Fairytale of New York, Last Christmas and Santa Baby.

Enjoy festive tunes from music students Mo Mohammed, Ethan Loverance, Nils Nilsen, Jayden Tomlinson and Dylan Swinney - the Baa-Humbugs - as well as tutor Tyler Pateman Jones on Wednesday, December 4 at 4.30pm.

Jayden, a Level 3 Music Extended Diploma student, will also do a set which includes some Oasis, Beatles and Ed Sheeran classics at 5.30pm.

And be captivated by the HND Performing Arts students on Thursday, December 5 at 6.30pmwhen they perform parts of their ‘The Adventures of Oz’ pantomime.

Bishop Auckland Group CEO and Principal Shaun Hope said: “We are extremely proud to be involved in Christmas Town. It showcases the best of what Bishop Auckland is all about. As one of the anchor institutions that is right at the heart of the community, the College wanted to do whatever we could to support it.

“We have also done that in the form of sponsorship, so people will see Bishop Auckland College side by side with the other big community supporters in the town, bringing visitors and improving the economy for our local area.

“Christmas Town has also given our students brilliant opportunities. As well as having students performing at the event, we have also had our students from construction involved in projects leading up to the event.

“What’s more is that Christmas Town coincides with the official opening of the new-look McIntyre Centre right in the middle of where the event takes place on Thursday. The McIntyre, after renovation and substantial investment, will be home to adult education and various other community focused initiatives.”

Christmas Town, produced by Baccanalia and Bridge Creative, will be full of festive cheer, featuring a giant tipi bar, ice rink, Santa's Grotto, and a traditional Ferris wheel at the historic market square. New additions this year include a magical carousel, Christmas market stalls, character meet-and-greets and merry maker workshops.

“Christmas Town offers such a magical experience for so many families, and this year, it's going to be even bigger and better.” said Ben Tinkler, Managing Director of Bridge Creative. "The event not only creates jobs for local disabled people, but also gives a significant boost to the local economy, helping to put Bishop Auckland on the map."

The event is a community effort, with Bishop Auckland College playing a key role as a sponsor, and this collaboration provides valuable work experience for students while enriching the festive celebrations for the entire community.

Thomas Wales, Managing Director of Baccanalia said: "With the other fantastic winter events in and around the town such as AGLOW, Christmas at the Palace and Santa Express, I think we can confidently say we're the Christmas capital of the North."

*Entry to Christmas Town is free, but some events and attractions require tickets. These can be purchased at www.bishopaucklandschristmastown.co.uk or by calling 01388 540823.