What do you think of this year’s window?
PEOPLE in Newcastle have expressed mixed views about this year’s Fenwick Christmas window display.
The window of the department store is famous for being a festive attraction year after year. Themes in recent years have included The Snowman, Beatrix Potter and Shaun the Sheep.
On Sunday night, the display for 2022 was revealed as Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf. The story is the brainchild of writer Lauren Child, famous for her Charlie and Lola stories.
A number of people stopped to have a look at the display on Northumberland Street on Monday. Here is what they thought of the theme:
Janet Menham, from Heworth, Gateshead, took her two-year-old granddaughter Francesca Rookes to see the window. The 58-year-old said: “It’s lovely. I didn’t know the story but I have read about it. Francesca says the doggy was the best bit! It’s a hard world out there and we’re all struggling, but it’s given the children a bit of happiness!”
Gary Lough and Kirsty Freeman, 30, from Birtley, Gateshead, stopped to see the window with their two-year-old son Teddy.
Gary said: “The bairn’s big brother and sister used to watch Charlie and Lola. I’m sure it’s the same author. It’s something different and that’s what you want. Certain kids will watch it, those who are 10 or under should know it.”
Carli Mills, 35, from Prudhoe, Northumberland, took her 16-month-old son Bobby to see the window. The contact officer said: “It’s different. It’s not a well-known one like Peter Rabbit or Paddington. I didn’t know what it was. I think it should be something a bit more wellknown. I don’t think kids read this at school.”
Lauren Curry, 32, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, viewed the window while on a short break to Newcastle. The mum-of-two, who works as a careers advisor, said: “I think it’s brilliant. I think they have done a good job this year. I have taken some pictures to show my children. They know the story. I think it’s really good.”
Support worker Keith O’Doran, 55, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, said: “It’s different. Some people are going to like it and some people aren’t. If someone recognises it, it will resonate with them more. A lot of people will wonder what it is. I think the younger people are probably going to understand it more.”
Maryna Rahulina is from Kyiv, Ukraine, but is now living in Horden, County Durham. The 40-year-old, who is mum to Margarita, nine, and Makar, five, said: “It’s lovely, I think I will come again with my children. I think it’s amazing that people can walk around and stop and have a look. I know it’s a Christmas story. I will find it and explain it to my kids.”
Sammie Andrews, 51, from Fenham, Newcastle, said: “We’re all living in this crisis. People need to be brightened up at Christmas. Where’s the Santa Claus and where’s the elves? That just reminds me of a party when I was a little girl. That just says birthday party to me.”
Joseph Hall, 72, and Joan Mallen, 68, from Washington, also stopped to have a look at the window this year. Retired postman Joseph said: “It’s alright, it’s different. I hadn’t heard of it before. It’s still nice, it’s all about family and Christmas.”
Former factory worker Joan added: “It’s the first time I have come and there’s not been a queue – that must tell you something.”
Peter Picken, 80, from West Denton, Newcastle, was on Northumberland Street with Mal Whitfield, 69, from Bensham, Gateshead.
Former store manager Peter said: “It’s not Christmassy and it’s not inviting. Normally there is some kind of story which you can follow but this year there’s no story there at all.”
Mal, who previously provided training in security, added: “I can’t see many people coming to see that. There’s nobody there and normally you get queues. It’s supposed to be modern. They should go back to the old style!”