Festive fun coming to Sunderland libraries

A packed programme of festive fun is set to take place in libraries across Sunderland in the run up to Christmas.

Serving up fun for all the family, the events start at Creative Smart City Hubs in Houghton, Washington and Sunderland city centre on Saturday 29 November.

The majority of the events are free to attend, with a small number ticketed, and there is a range of sessions for both children and adults.

Cllr Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's great that our hubs are able to bring festive fun and cheer to families across our city and I'm sure all those who attend will have a wonderful time.

"It is a very special time, and these activities give young people and adults the chance to enjoy the build up to Christmas doing fun activities with others."

Every day until 24 December there will be the chance for youngsters to take part in Rudolph's Christmas Hunt at all of the participating hubs, where they can find all 10 lost carrots to win a special prize.

Each venue will be hosting a Children's Christmas Celebration that will include stories, music, crafts, face painting and delicious snacks, with festive clothing encouraged.

For those aged up to four, there will be Rhyme and Shine Christmas specials taking place at each site, where little ones can enjoy a jolly time of singing, dancing, and jingling musical instruments, with a story time at the end.

And for adults who want to get together for a cheerful and laid-back meet-up, Celebrate the Season events will include festive activities from crafts to quizzes, or the chance to simply unwind and enjoy the collection of books, while listening to festive music and savouring a warm beverage or two.

The Creative Smart City Hubs @ Houghton and Washington will each have a performance of Little Red Riding Hood from Theatre Space North East who will be delivering a fresh, feisty twist on this classic tale. The shows are suitable for children of all ages and there is a ticket price of £5 for these performances.

These two hubs will also have a free family screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Those aged 11 - 16 will be able to enjoy a festive themed Dungeons and Dragons session at the Creative Smart City Hub @ Washington on Saturday 20 December.

And following the success of the workshops in October, there will be a series of Maker Space workshops on Saturday 13 and Tuesday 23 December at the Washington Hub, with separate sessions allowing people to create tote bags, vinyl Christmas decorations, mugs and 3D decorations. Details of timings and prices will be available on the Culture House Sunderland website.

The programme is being delivered by Culture House Sunderland which will be a multi-purpose cultural venue based at the heart of Keel Square. The venue - The National Centre for Creative Smart Cities - will be home to the City Library, packed with dynamic, digitally powered, interactive and educating features, with a year-round programme of fun things to do and see.

More information about the events can be found at www.culturehousesunderland.co.uk/events