Extra lights will add sparkle to Barnard Castle's festive season

AN extra event and an expanded array of Christmas lights look bound for Barnard Castle.
Members of the town council and volunteers at Barnard Castle Christmas Lights have lined up more displays on Galgate, Newgate and Market Place for the Friday, December 2, switch on.
Power is now linked up to the Galgate Greens, swan light motifs on Newgate have been renovated by the Friends of The Bowes Museum and curtain lights look set to adorn Woodleigh, on Scar Top.
However, an under spend on the events budget left councillors looking for something more substantial in a bid to make festivities feel special.
Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said: “We want something bigger – not just an extra little bit.
“It could be a much more spectacular event. We are really quite low on events after putting our efforts into the 1940s weekend.”
Ideas for a festive fair or an ice rink were quickly tossed aside due to time constraints but tried and tested plans made a return to the table.
Cllr Judi Sutherland added: “There's the craft market at The Bowes Museum. Is there any chance of a Christmas market for decorations and little presents or chestnuts and mulled wine?”
“We had a free event a couple of years ago with cards and baubles,” replied Cllr Moorhouse.
She added that The Bowes Museum would be hosting its annual Christmas market on December 18.
“I think this would be a good chance to get a really good event for everyone again,” added Cllr Moorhouse.
Barnard Castle Brass Band have been booked for the switch-on and deputy town crier Mark Wilkes will stand in for main man Iain Kirkbride, who is away on holiday.
Meanwhile, the separate Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Group has commenced “phase two” of their three year plan for the town.
Cllr Roger Peat said there was a possibility of festoon lighting on The Bank as well as large globes or icicle lights for the trees on Galgate greens.
“There will now be icicle lights starting by the Market Cross coming right up Market Place, up Horsemarket and up Galgate as far as 149 Fish and Chips,” added Cllr Peat.
Phase three of the new Christmas lights project will finish next year before the committee concentrates on maintenance.