The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Fantastic fiesta of fun for all the family
POPULAR EVENT RETURNS - WITH SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT!
A BELOVED Whitley Bay attraction is back this weekend with something a little different for people of all ages to enjoy.
Whitley Bay Fiesta will return to the grounds of St Paul’s Church this Saturday, February 10 – but in place of the usual stalls, visitors can look forward to a trail of creative light sculptures made by local professional artists that will brighten up the night.
The event will see the church bathed in candlelight and will be accompanied by specially composed music, with hot chocolate, soup and mulled wine available to keep guests warm.
Taking place from 5pm until 9pm, the Light Waves show is free to attend, although donations are welcome to help fund future Fiestas.
Organisers are inviting people to make their own light lanterns to bring along, with easy tutorials available on the Fiesta Facebook page, and hope that the event will “bring joy into a winter evening, raise our spirits and create a chance for us to glow together”.
Whitley Bay Fiesta has proven to be a huge hit with locals since it first began in September 2021, run by a dedicated team of volunteers and designed to provide a welcoming and entertaining space for everyone no matter their circumstances.
Visitors to the quarterly event can usually find food, music, games, market stalls and more, with past activities having included a treasure hunt, a coconut shy, and fairground favourite bat the rat.
Sue Miller, who helps to run the event, previously told the Chronicle: “We know that at a time when a lot of us are finding life challenging, having people and places on our doorstep to turn to can make a huge difference.”
Following the special Light Waves show, the Fiesta will next return on Sunday, July 7 for a summer spectacular, and again on October 6 and December 1 this year.
Organisers have encouraged any fans of the Fiesta to get involved with future events if they would like to, whether that be by performing, having a stall, coming up with a new activity, making a donation, or simply telling friends about it.
“It might only be a few hours of your time but you’ll be making a big difference,” Sue said.
“And you’ll be joining an ever increasing number of local volunteers only too happy to see Whitley Bay’s residents and visitors thrive.”
Head to St Paul’s Church on Park View this Saturday from 5pm to catch the Light Waves show in action.