This year, on November 28th 2015, we plan to start our Christmas celebrations with a festive cheer. Inspired by the Victorian heritage of Whitley Bay station we are planning a day of festivities and music before the switching on of our brand new Christmas lights by our very own Victorian Station Master.

What we'll deliver:

• Invite local musicians to perform
• Invite local schools to sing around the Christmas tree.
• Provide new Christmas lights for the station area.
• 'Winter Wonderland' best dressed shop window competition
• Provide an arts and crafts area where children can make small gifts to take home.
• Provide an opportunity for local businesses to promote and showcase their products and services
• Provide an outlet for local charities to connect, fundraiser and inform residents of their services.

Why it's a great idea:

The event will encourage local residents and businesses to come together and celebrate the wonderful Whitley Bay. It will start our town's Christmas celebrations in a memorable, exciting way and, in doing so, will encourage the community to come together in an inexpensive and fun way.

We can get match funding of up to £5000 to make this happen. Please help us raise as much money as possible to make Whitley Bay shine!

By working together to encourage a greater community spirit we aim to:
- provide a platform for local charities and community groups to engage with the wider community
- provide opportunities for local residents and new small enterprises to trade in the run up to Christmas
- encourage town centre traders to work together on events
- increase footfall and encourage local residents to shop in Whitley Bay town centre and support local businesses thus boosting the local economy

Steps to get it done:

• Contact local businesses, organisations and schools and invite them to participate in the event.
• Creation of a special Christmas committee to organise the event.
• Local businesses, community groups and representatives will work together
• Work with a team of volunteers to implement the logistics of the event.
• Work with North Tyneside Council, Police and other relevant parties