Sunderland's Hylton Castle becomes amazing winter wonderland as Santa sets up shop
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Santa has set up shop in a medieval fortress as Hytlon Castle is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Amazing decorations and dazzling festive lights are adorning the historic building, which has been welcoming in families during the countdown to Christmas.
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Hide AdSanta and his elf hosted Christmas craft sessions with gifts for children and festive treats for adults over the weekend of December 9 and 10, which proved a sell-out success.
The event was such a hit that the team have put on another date, which takes place on Saturday, December 16, and tickets are on sale now.
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Hide AdThe Christmas events are just part of a year-round programme at the castle, which has been lovingly restored as a community hub and visitor attraction.
It is the culmination of decades of campaigning to bring the 14th Century building, which had been left a decaying empty shell, back into use.
The Hylton Castle Trust, supported by Sunderland City Council, National Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage, has now given the castle a new future, preserving the building and installing three floors and a roof to create exhibition and events space.
The roof provides amazing views out over Sunderland, and the ground floor hosts a tearoom.
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Hide AdTours of the castle are available, and all manner of events and activities take place, with training and volunteering opportunities.
The castle also serves as a wedding venue.
The Trust hopes to further expand its work in the future, with hopes the neighbouring remains of St Catherine's Chapel can also be brought back into use.
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