How many sleeps until Christmas?

THERE’S A NEW CLOCK TICKING AWAY IN NEWCASTLE, WRITES WHAT’S ON EDITOR GORDON BARR

HAVE you spotted the huge new clock on Northumberland Street?

It’s hard to miss, hanging above the entrance to intu Eldon Square.

But what’s it all about? And why does it run backwards?

As the countdown to Christmas begins, with children across the North East eagerly looking forward to the festive season, intu Eldon Square has come up with a solution to the perpetual question on every child’s lips: “How many sleeps ’til Christmas?”

Visitors to the Northumberland Street entrance to the city’s shopping centre are now welcomed by a giant Christmas clock, displaying the number of sleeps until the big day.

Designed in the style of an old-fashioned pocket watch, the single handed clock runs backwards, counting down the hours each day.

The outer bezzle is illuminated, and as time passes, the rim illumination turns off in sequence, counting down the hour.

Young shoppers really got into the Christmas spirit to celebrate the launch of the new clock by slipping into some stylish children’s nightwear from John Lewis, whose winter ranges add a sprinkle of character and a splash of colour to any child’s nightwear drawer.

Tania Vesty, marketing manager at intu Eldon Square, said: “Our Christmas clock has received a warm welcome from our shoppers, especially youngsters who are already gearing up for Christmas and writing their lists for Santa.

“Many people are pausing to take pictures to share on social media creating a ripple of anticipation for the big day.

“The giant clock makes an impressive and specifically old-fashioned display, and is part of a brand new scheme of decorations that reflect a more traditional festive feel throughout the centre.

“Cascading snowflakes, canopies of light and festive willow trees are illuminating our malls, with a spectacular Christmas tree as the central feature.

“Later in the month we’ll be launching a bespoke Christmas tree app, giving customers the chance to play fun games, add stickers to festive selfies and have the opportunity to win a £250 intu Gift Card.

“Here at intu Eldon Square we’re hugely excited about our ‘Christmassing’ campaign and the launch of our countdown clock has really added to the build-up to Christmas, which many people think is the best part of the festive season.

“There’s still plenty of time to celebrate the joy of Christmas before Santa’s arrival by enjoying some fantastic festive shopping and also spending some quality time catching up with family or friends in our wide choice of restaurants!”