80s pop icon Martin Kemp is set to switch on Metrocentre’s festive lights this November as part of a three-day Winter Weekender, marking the grand finale of the shopping mall’s 40th year.
The star-studded line-up gets underway from 3pm on Friday 13 November with HMV Presents Thomas Nicholas, the alternative rock and pop punk group fronted by actor and musician Thomas Nicholas – best known for his role as Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.
Supporting the band on stage in Exhibition Square will be the North East’s very own Mitch Laddie and Matt Fairley, with signings to follow in the HMV store in Lower Blue Mall.
Saturday 14 November brings stars of a very different kind with a Christmas parade from 11am, featuring some of the season’s most iconic faces, from movie characters to fairytale favourites and pop-culture royalty – not forgetting the main man himself, Santa, and his festive helpers.
Don’t hurry away after the parade. The costumed characters will be sticking around for a meet-and-greet as well as selfie requests as they roam the centre afterwards. There will also be a huge 3m x 5m snowball pit in Town Square for any youngsters with Christmas excitement to channel.
Sunday 15 November has more magic in store for youngsters with special appearances from famous animated characters and big screen characters, ahead of the main event from 3pm.
Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for: the traditional Christmas lights switch-on, hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle’s Anna Foster.
Who better to do the honours this 40th anniversary year, officially marking the start of the festive season, than Spandau Ballet star and 80s icon Martin Kemp. He’ll also play a live DJ set of retro and seasonal hits to get the party spirit going.
As for what else Metrocentre has in store in the countdown to Christmas, there will be Black Friday savings throughout the mall, along with the keenly awaited openings of the all-new Bershka and Lefties stores. More details on those to be announced soon.
For those able to spare a few pounds to help good causes, there will be a giant toy donation box in Exhibition Square from 16 November through to 17 December for anyone wishing to support Cash for Kids Mission Christmasappeal. Simply buy and drop-off a new, unwrapped gift and the Cash for Kids team will make sure it goes to a good home this Christmas.
The Marie Curie Gift Wrapping Station will also be back in Upper Town Square from 9 to 24 December, helping add the all-important finishing touches to gifts in exchange for donations to support their nursing and hospice care services.
More details on all events, deals and offers will be available online at https://themetrocentre.co.uk with Saturday closing times extended from 7pm until 8pm from Saturday 21 November.
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