South Shields Christmas Wonderland Markets

Shoppers in South Tyneside can enjoy an exciting two-day festive celebration of street food and gifts as the special Christmas Wonderland Market sets up stall in South Shields Town Centre.

The outdoor Market is taking place on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 December, from 9am to 6pm, in the Market Square.

Visitors will be able to grab a bite to eat from one of the tasty street food sellers (serving from 12noon), as well as enjoy live music and entertainment and browse the range of stalls for unique gifts for family and friends.

Young visitors can also enjoy free fairground rides and get selfies with Santa's helpers.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council said: "We're very excited to bring these special Christmas markets to South Shields Town Centre this year.

"The Christmas Markets will include a fantastic mix of both our traditional traders as well as new traders from around the region. With the additional entertainment and festivities, they are set to create a wonderfully festive atmosphere while offering something different for people visiting the Market Square.

"These events are just one of the ways we are working to support businesses and our market traders through the pandemic. By making our towns and village centres more welcoming and attractive and by creating new experiences for people to enjoy, we hope to give businesses a boost as well as encourage visitors to keep coming back.

"We would urge people to wrap up well and enjoy the quality food, entertainment and the variety of goods and produce on offer across the market stalls."

There will be an array of amazing street food vendors selling dishes ranging from German sausages to artisan Greek, Spanish and authentic Caribbean cooking. Vendors confirmed for the event include Phi Pie, El Paladar, Fat Hippo, Bessy's Sweet Bakes among many more.

The Christmas Market is running in addition to the traditional South Shields Market, which takes place throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9am to 3pm, and is a great place for people to support local small businesses.

The town's market traders have also come together to hold extra markets on Mondays in the run up to Christmas - including Monday 13 and Monday 20 December. They return on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 January.

Parking is free at Council owned car parks in South Shields Town Centre, on weekdays, from 3pm, and free all day on Saturdays and Sundays, throughout December.

For the full Christmas Wonderland events programme for South Tyneside visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/christmas or keep up to date through social media at www.facebook.com/southtynesideevents and www.twitter.com/stynesideevents

The Borough's Christmas events are subject to any Covid-related public health advice in place at the time to help reduce the spread of the virus. Visitors are encouraged to respect others and their space, consider wearing face masks if distancing is difficult (unless exempt) and take a lateral flow test before attending events. Those who feel unwell or symptomatic should not attend and book a PCR test.

More details about South Shields Market is available at www.southshieldsmarket.co.uk  For information about parking visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/parking