Looking back at Santa's visits to Tynedale over the years

We decided to look back at the times Santa has visited our Tynedale towns to spread Christmas spirit.

Lesley Tanner’s children enjoyed seeing Santa on his bus tour (Image: Newsquest)

After its success in 2020, Go North East brought back its popular Santa tour bus to spread Christmas cheer in 2021.

Harriet Pender’s children loved the bus decorations (Image: Newsquest)

The bus, which was decorated with Christmas lighting donated by Parkside Community Centre, featured Santa and his elves. 

Liam Speight took a picture of the bus as it arrived in Prudhoe (Image: NQ)

A Santa tracker was also available via the Go North East app.

Also in 2021, Santa spread Christmas cheer through Prudhoe on three wheels.

Ex-Prudhoe mayor Tracy Gilmore, Coun. Gordon Stewart, Nick Athey and Chris Barrett (Image: Newsquest)

Cycling without Age Prudhoe enables elderly people and those with limited mobility to enjoy the pleasure of bike rides.

The charity gave Santa and his elves its trishaw to visit the old and young of Prudhoe and neighbouring Mickley.

Tynedale Lions’ Santa has been part of the district for years (Image: Ian Wylie)

In 2020, during the pandemic, Santa drove through the streets of Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Wall, Humshaugh, Fourstones, Newbrough, Acomb, Slaley, Riding Mill, Corbridge, Stocksfield and Mickley, organised by the Tynedale Lions.

Tynedale Lions’ Santa has been part of the district for years (Image: Ian Wylie)

The registered charity has orchestrated Santa's tour of the district's towns and villages for over 30 years.

In 2016, Tynedale Lions Club's Santa Sleigh was in danger of running out of pulling power, until a Hexham car dealership stepped in.

Tynedale Lions president Peter Hawkins, vice-president Jonathan Hill and Santa take delivery of their new 'Reindeer' in the shape of a Nissan Navara courtesy of Sean Conley (right) of Wylam Garage in Hexham (Image: Newsquest)

When club members realised they were short on volunteer drivers to tow the Sleigh, Sean Conley of Wylam Garage on Burn Lane offered to save the day.

Along with supplying a Nissan Navara pick up, Sean also supplied the fuel for the journey.

Santa visited Wall and Humshaugh, Slaley, Riding Mill, Bellingham, Stocksfield, Acomb, Haydon Bridge, Fourstones and Newbrough and Corbridge.

Anna Little and her son James enjoy a festive paddle on the river Tyne (Image: Kate Buckingham)

In 2016, members of the Stand Up Paddle club from Wylam took to the river at Newburn's rowing club dressed in Santa and elf costumes.

The group used inflatable boards and paddles to travel along the Tyne to Wylam.