The Spiegeltent arrives in Darlington
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On Thursday 1 December, the town centre will become home to a Spiegeltent – an elaborately decorated wooden marquee with a domed top – which will provide the setting for a packed programme of festive events and activities.
Lit by gaslight-style lanterns and dressed with mirrors and velvet, the Spiegeltent will form the backdrop for everything from street food markets and shopping fairs to live music and crafts up to Christmas Eve.
For children, there will be the chance to meet Santa in his grotto and take part in Christmas-themed craft workshops, while a street food market on selected dates will offer locally sourced produce and ingredients.
Music will be provided by Cockerton brass band, Tyneside Steel band and a variety of acoustic artists throughout the month, with evening performances of theatre and dance also on the schedule.
A festive shopping village within the Spiegeltent will give shoppers the chance to snap up gifts for all the family – and support the town’s small businesses – while a licensed bar will provide refreshments.
“The Spiegeltent really is a theatre of opulence,” said Alex Hirst, manager of organiser Distinct Darlington, “transporting shoppers to a world of spectacle and mystery.With all the glamour of the Moulin Rouge combined with the bustle of the fairground it really will be a shopping experience like no other. There are so many different events taking place, both day and night, there really is something to suit everyone -and many of them are free.
“The Spiegeltent is in demand worldwide so it is a huge achievement be bringing it to Darlington and I hope that not only will it be a unique experience for shoppers, visitors and Darlington residents alike, but that it will be a big boost for town centre businesses.”
A number have already signed up to take part in events in the Spiegeltent, including Darlington-based bar Hole in the Wall and Tracks Darlington – a support organisation for musicians and music creatives.
In addition, The Keys and the Clervaux bakery will be providing catering for Breakfast with Santa, from 19 to 21 December.
