Northern Lights, the festive light trail returning to Newcastle's Leazes Park from November 20, has revealed the food traders joining its Christmas Village, including local favourites Davey's and BagHead.
The event, now in its fourth year, will feature 14 new light installations along a route around the park, alongside additions to the Christmas Village where visitors can eat and drink while gathered around fire pits. Fairground rides and a marshmallow-toasting station will also be available.
Time Machine theme and nostalgic installations
This year's theme, the Christmas Time Machine, aims to evoke Christmases past with what organisers promise will be 'a toy box of memories'. The trail will include nostalgic nods such as retro toys and storybooks, with glowing Rubik's Cubes and an illuminated storybook telling The Night Before Christmas.
Music will enhance festive traditions as visitors walk along a Candy Cane Crossing made of over-size candy canes and pass a parade of giant nutcrackers. The after-dark illuminations will also include a Disco Wonderland, offering a spot to stop and enjoy the music.
Food traders announced for the Christmas Village
The food line-up includes Davey's, known for its breakfasts and burgers, making its Northern Lights debut with a menu of NYC-style smash burgers, taco sliders and thick ice cream shakes. BagHead, sister brand to Parm-O-Rama, will bring its viral spice bag - a fusion of chips, chicken and spice in a bag - to the village.
Emma St Croix, senior marketing manager at From The Fields which produces the event, said: "Choosing what to eat has become part of the night out at Northern Lights, and Davey's and BagHead give visitors even more to get excited about this year. There's such a strong independent food scene here in the North East and we're proud to bring these traders together in the Christmas Village."
She added: "With a whole new trail to explore, food to share and a hot chocolate or mulled wine to finish, we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leazes Park."
Other traders and practical details
Other traders include Steak Freaks, Acropolis - winner of the 'independent retailer of the year' title at Metrocentre's Top of the Shops awards - and Parm-O-Rama and Mother Clucker teaming up to serve 'parmos in a bun'. Truly Madly Pizza will offer wood-fired pizzas, Doughvine Desserts will serve Spanish churros, funnel cakes and bubble waffles, and Monument Coffee will provide hot drinks and bakes. A village bar will offer beers and mulled wine.
Northern Lights will remain open up to New Year's Eve, with opening times from 4.30pm until 8.15pm. Tickets, with a £1.75 booking fee, cost from £19.50 for adults and £13.50 for children aged three to 16, with family tickets from £60. Dedicated neuro-inclusive evenings are also available, with visitor numbers reduced by 75% and audio levels lowered.
