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High Street will be home to some unusual visitors during the Town's first ever Christmas Market Fair. Polar bears will be mingling with Snow Queens while pirates will be out looking for new recruits to walk the plank.
Young and old alike will be entertained during the Fair taking place in Stockton Town Centre from Thursday to Sunday, 27 - 30 November.
An explosion of festive street theatre will start at noon on Thursday and there will be stiltwalking from the Flaming Hahas, who capture the spirit of winter with their Jack Frost and Snow Queen Show.
You can also catch the ARC Silver Singers, an over 50s singing group based at the Town's Arts Centre and Q20 Theatre who bring a Victorian theme to the day with their dance demonstrations, penny farthing and organ grinder.
The tale of Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past is told by street theatre group, Dans La Poche. Don't miss their antics as the characters drag their sledge through a blizzard of their own making all while enthralling audiences with close up magic, illusion and sharp witted humour.
Flame Oz will be the last street theatre performance of the first day of the Fair - and this stunning show is not to be missed! Catch The Fire Show on the High Street and witness the dynamic fusion of fire, dance, acrobatics and martial arts.
All the street theatre takes place on the High Street between noon and 6.45pm.
On Friday all the street theatre action takes place between noon and 5.30pm with performances from Faceless Company who bring their show Snowmen Family. You can catch them as they dance while they are shopping!
Bjorn the Polar Bear makes his way to Stockton thanks to Los Kaos company.
The fully animated pod puppet is accompanied by his faithful herder Ursula and will be meeting and greeting visitors to the Town.
Mark Mark Productions bring Mr Scrooge and Mr Scratchit with their carol singing carriage to the High Street - and they are intent on spoiling the fun!
Q20 Theatre return with their Pirate Show where a captain trains his new recruits in walking the plank, sword fighting and treasure map reading. You will be invited to join in and get on board.
Finally, if you see a beautiful ice statue on the High Street - take a closer look. These beautiful statues will come to life to perform stunning acrobatic performances.
On Saturday, visitors will be spoilt for choice as a host of street theatre takes place across the Town. The beat of the drum will bring the High Street alive as Rhythm Train parade along.
You can also enjoy Bollywood dance troupe Navrang Arts and Bombay Baja, which combines Indian melodies with the powerful rhythm of the Dhol drum. The Kings Gospel Choir will also be performing.
The Fairly Famous Family bring their Snow Angels installation - in a magical tree lined snowy glade families can make snow angels and crazy silhouettes and be photographed with their creations.
Q20 Theatre will return with their Victorian fun and games and The Wrong Size will be out and about on stilts for their winter inspired show.The final day of the Fair on Sunday sees the street theatre take place from noon until 4pm and a spectacular fire display will mark the end of the fantastic four days.
Head along to see Jon Hicks create upside down, revolving outsized works of Santa himself.
You can join in with Arababes - a local belly dancing group who will be performing and holding a workshop. If Latin American dance is more your thing then join in ARC's salsa demonstration.
Rhythm Train will be back with their infectious drumming antics and visitors can also enjoy street theatre courtesy of Swank who bring their Bettie Twinkle and Robin Redbreast show.
Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said:
"Well, what a fantastic array of street theatre and entertainment for all the family!
"This is the first time Stockton has held a Christmas Market Fair and I hope families across the Borough and from far and wide will come in and join the party!"
For full details log onto
http://www.stocktonchristmasfestival.org.uk/
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/pressoffice/
Four days of festive fun |
