Mulled wine, music and festive lights brought Acorn Road to life, as the third Light Up Jesmond Christmas event brought together local residents, students from Northern Counties School and local businesses including Angel’s Share and LOCAL to usher in the festive season.

The evening, which took place on 4 December, was organised by The Watson Family Charitable Trust, bringing together people from Jesmond and surrounding areas to watch the Christmas lights be switched on by students from Northern Counties School (NCS), a specialist education provider within the Percy Hedley Foundation (PHF).

Festivities included carols, free hot drinks and a visit from Father Christmas, and the lights were turned on by two Volunteer Police Cadets from NCS, Molly and Miley, who wore their uniforms as the newest cadets in first year of this scheme.

PR and Communications executive at PHF, Ava Hartington, told JesmondLocal: “This was such an important event for our learners as it was a chance to engage with the local community and truly get into the Christmas spirit.

“For the children to be included and valued at such a meaningful event is very important, creating lasting positive memories for each of them.”

After Acorn Road was lit up, the Christmas tree lights at St George’s Church were switched on by NCS students alongside their signing choir, who performed a nativity using sign language.

Hartington said: “It’s a wonderful occasion that brings people together and provides a special opportunity for our learners to shine. This event would not be possible without the invaluable support of the Watson Family Charitable Trust.

“We are truly fortunate to be surrounded by such dedicated local businesses and individuals who help make our community feel so connected and supportive.”

The newly opened wine bar on St. Georges Terrace, Angel’s Share, took part by playing music and giving out around 160 litres of mulled wine to the community.

Co-owner of the family-run business, Kate Knipe, told JesmondLocal that she and her husband Daren were thrilled to be involved. “We were aware that it’s such a close community and when asked to become part of the Jesmond lights, we felt we were cemented within the community,” she said.

“It brought everyone together, not just locals from nearby streets but also surrounding areas. It was quite magical, and seeing those lights go on is just great. The whole atmosphere was Christmas and that was just lovely.”

Knipe added that Angel’s Share worked closely with other local businesses and that she was even wearing an outfit from Acorn Outfitters on the night.

Also involved was café LOCAL, which handed out free hot drinks and mince pies and switched on its own tree lights. Barista Katy Simms said it was her first year taking part in the event. “It was really fun and I really enjoyed it,” she told JesmondLocal.

“We’ve started to build a little community on Acorn Road now and it feels really great to have a connection with people and other local businesses. Providing a space for the people of Jesmond and creating traditions and annual events is very important and special, and it feels great that we’re doing our part for the community.”