Hundreds gather as Christmas lights are switched on in Gateshead Town Centre
The Mayor of Gateshead, Santa and Barbie were among those at the event
This is the moment a crowd cheered as Gateshead Town Centre was illuminated by festive lights.
Hundreds of people gathered in Trinity Square to watch the 10th annual Christmas light switch on.
Adults and children were entertained by local acts and performers before the area was lit up, signalling the countdown to Christmas.
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A two-and-a-half hour event programme was held at the town centre shopping and leisure complex.
The centre is celebrating its 10thanniversary year by reaching the £25k fundraising mark for its nominated charity Tiny Lives, who support the Special Care Baby Unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle.
Entertainer Ricky K hosted the event, which ran from 3pm until 7pm.
He was joined by Tyne Theatre and Panto Stars, an ABBA tribute band, the Mayor of Gateshead Cllr Eileen McMaster, Santa and Barbie.
The finalists and winner from Trinity’s Squares talent show Trinity’s Got Talent, which took place in September, were also part of the show.
Money raised through raffle tickets and merchandise sales will be donated to Tiny Lives.
The Christmas lights switch on in Gateshead
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Hundreds of people turned out for the event
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It was held at Trinity Square in Gateshead Town Centre
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People of all ages were in the crowd
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