College ready for festive fun

Sunderland College will be transformed into a winter wonderland next week.

The Christmas Charity Arts and Crafts Day will take place from 2- 6pm on Tuesday in the Arts Academy in aid of homeless charity Crisis.

Music students will be entertaining guests with performances of acoustic tunes and carols, and photography students will be on hand to take snaps of children with Santa and Buddy in a magical grotto, created by art and design students.

Youngsters will also get the chance to take part in Disney Christmas- themed dance sessions as well as drama workshops.

Stalls will be selling a range of cards, decorations and gifts – from traditional baubles to festive wreaths – which have been made by graphic design and art and design students, and there will also be stalls from external Christmas craft traders.

The event, which has been organised by visual and performing arts staff and students, includes free refreshments for children and Starbucks will also be open.

Jane Reed, head of visual and performing arts, said: “We are very excited to transform the Arts Academy into a winter wonderland and welcome children and their parents to our special Christmas event. Our staff and students have been working very hard over the past few months to make sure it will be a fun and exciting day, and we’re sure it will get people into the Christmas spirit!”

Sunderland College’s annual charity Christmas concert ‘ Jingle Bede’ will be held on the same day, with performances scheduled at 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

Organised by BTEC and foundation degree music students, it will feature a mix of popular Christmas songs, from Wizard to Wham.

‘ Jingle Bede’ will be performed in the Arts Academy Theatre at 6.30pm and 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door for £ 1. All proceeds raised will be donated to homeless charity Crisis.