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CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE…

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ONE of the North East’s best loved castles has Christmas all wrapped up with a programme of festive family events.

Throughout December, four-star Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, will be holding a series of Christmas lunches, afternoon teas and party nights for visitors looking to celebrate the season in a suitably majestic setting.

Those keen to kick start their Christmas shopping are invited to the 630-year-old venue’s annual Christmas markets on 3 and 6 December, with mulled wine, carols and a variety of gifts on sale from local suppliers.

Lumley Castle’s famous Elizabethan Banquets will also be held throughout the month, providing an alternative to office parties for groups of friends and workmates, with a four-course feast with wine and mead, served in the Baron’s Hall.

Alternatively, partygoers looking to add Las Vegas glitz to their celebrations can opt for one of Lumley Castle’s Casino Party Nights, on 14, 18 and 20 December and try their hands at Black Jack, roulette and the wheel of fortune.

The 73-bedroom venue will also serve as a suitably scary setting for murder, mystery dinners on 9 and 17 December, with guests invited to turn detective and solve the hideous crimes.

Also, on 15 December, music lovers will have the chance to listen to hits from some of pop’s biggest names courtesy of Divas of the Dancefloor, while, on 21 December, guests can Dance through the Decades at a party night with three-course meal and disco.

On 8 December, partygoers can don their ra-ra- skirts and legwarmers for a night of 80s entertainment presented by Mea Deen – with fancy dress optional – and, on 13 December, Top Hat & Heels will put on a show packed with comedy, energy and more than 40 costume changes.

The 80s will make a welcome return later in the month, too, with George Michael tribute act Jay Francis performing some of the singer’s greatest solo and Wham hits on 22 December.

“And that is just a small selection of the treats we have in store for visitors to Lumley Castle this Christmas,” said sales manager Lauren Colledge.

“Our chefs are putting the final touches to menus for decadent afternoon teas and a sumptuous Christmas Eve feast, while plans are well underway for a glittering new Year’s Eve ball.

“And, of course, no December would be complete without Santa Claus and this year children can not only meet the great man but they can also have breakfast with him and his elves on 16, 22 and 24 December.”

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