North Tyneside’s town centres will be home to some very special guests this winter.
In a magical UK exclusive the The Snowman and The Snowdog trail will be coming to the borough.
The trail will see 20 life-sized sculptures grace North Tyneside streets from Saturday 14 November until the end of January, with residents and visitors expected to take up the challenge of finding them all whilst doing a spot of Christmas shopping.
An interactive app will be available for download in Android and iPhone app stores and a printed map can be collected from libraries and Customer First Centres from November 12, as well as printed out online.
Snowmen based on the much-loved 12 Days of Christmas song and eight uniquely decorated Snowdogs will be located in and around Wallsend, North Shields, Killingworth, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “I’m thrilled that we have such a special event taking place across the winter that everyone can enjoy whilst supporting our important town centre businesses.
“We know things are hard right now so it’s important that we still have things for people to see and do in a safe way.
“It’s a real coup to have the trail coming to North Tyneside and I hope it will provide our residents and visitors with something to look forward to and enjoy.”
Local artist Lisa Kirkbride’s Partridge in a Pear Tree Snowman will be found outside retailer For The Love of the North at the famous Spanish City in Whitley Bay.
A print and Christmas card based on Lisa’s design will be on sale there, and will also be available online and from selected St Oswald’s Hospice shops. Proceeds from the trail activities will go to St Oswald’s to support the vital work they do.
Jane Hogan, Head of Fundraising at St Oswald’s Hospice said: “When North Tyneside Council announced their new art trail we were very excited. We were delighted to be the chosen charity to benefit. The Snowdogs especially hold a very close place in our hearts after holding our own Snowdog Art Trail in 2016. After organising numerous art trails for St Oswald’s we understand how important they are to bring the local community together.
“Not only is this great for North Tyneside, but perfect for the whole of Tyne and Wear, bringing lots of excitement to festive shoppers. Thank you to North Tyneside Council for choosing to support St Oswald’s Hospice, we can’t wait to take part in the trail.”
The trail is inspired by The Snowman and The Snowdog short animated film released in 2012 and the sequel to Raymond Briggs’ worldwide and much-loved hit The Snowman. In it, a young boy builds a snowman and creates a Snowdog with the remaining snow. At midnight both of his creations come to life.
This initiative is organised by North Tyneside Council and Wild in Art and is supported by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
For more information and to print out a map see www.visitnorthtyneside.com.
