GROUPS HEADING to a popular winter pop-up this weekend can enjoy live music, festive food and drink and a special visit from some VIP guests.
Winter Wonderland, at South Shields’ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, has been entertaining guests with a real ice rink, fairground rides and more since it opened last month.
And this weekend the park will play host to a string of live musicians, while little ones will also have the chance to meet some much-loved children’s characters.
Those paying a visit to the venue on Friday night can enjoy live music from singer-songwriter Lloyd Joyce at the festival bar, which is home to a number of fire pits.
Newcastle-based David Stoker will take to the stage on the following day to perform a range of indie, pop and rock covers from 5pm to 7pm, while singer Andrew Usher – who also plays the saxophone and the guitar – will close the weekend’s performances on Sunday from 4pm to 6pm.
The Winter Wonderland will also welcome a host of popular characters in the coming weeks, with the opportunity for little ones to meet Mickey and Minnie on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, followed by Belle and Cinderella on Sunday.
Elsewhere on the site visitors can make the most of a wide variety of festive food and drink kiosks, a covered skating rink using real ice and more than 40 rides, arcade games and attractions.
Michael Sheeran, operator at Ocean Beach, believes the event ticks all the boxes.
“We have some fantastic seasonal attractions and entertainment at the Winter Wonderland and it’s amazing to see the park all dressed for Christmas,” he said.
“We’re delighted to be hosting some superb musicians to entertain those paying us a visit this weekend and I have no doubt they’ll put on an excellent show.
“And with ice skating and plenty of rides to keep children entertained, we hope a visit from some of their favourite characters will be the cherry on top of the cake.”
Booking in advance is recommended for the ice rink, with slots costing £9 for adults and children aged 13 and over, £7 for children aged over 3 and family tickets are available at £27 for two adults and two children.
Private hire is also available for a group of up to 30, with activities running until 9 January 2022.
For more information, or to book, visit www.oceanbeach.co.uk
