Love Norton Advent Trail returns to Norton, Stockton

The Love Norton Advent Trail will come to Norton from Friday (December 1) to Saturday (December 23).

The event will feature 35 illuminated window displays with the trail launching at 4pm at St Mary’s Church.

The church windows will be illuminated by the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Jim Beall.

A representative of St Mary’s Church said: “Advent is a time of waiting, preparation and expectant hope for the future.

“Illuminating the Advent Windows represents hope for the light of Christ that shines in all of us to bring love into the world.

“Advent coincides with the darkest time of the year, days are short and cold, nights are long and even colder.

“On the first day of December, as we approach Advent, we switch on the Advent lights as a celebration of the coming of the light, the birth of Christ, the light that brings hope for love and peace in the world.”

This year’s Advent window theme is ‘All Things Christmas!’. It will feature a Nativity story, while children, youth groups, societies, schools, churches, and recreational groups have created the colourful windows to celebrate popular Christmas songs and carols.

The event will also feature a word puzzle competition with a selection of prizes on offer. 

The Mayor, Councillor Jim Beall, said: “I’m delighted to launch this year’s trail in St. Mary’s Church and looking forward to seeing all the creative displays lit up throughout December.

“This is a lovely community event which wouldn’t be possible without the great partnership work that takes place in our Borough, so make sure you pop into Norton to see the colourful windows and show your support to everyone involved.

“You can also take the opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts from the many excellent businesses in Norton.”

Trail maps can be collected from businesses and shops.

The Love Norton Advent Trail was started in 2017 by St Mary’s Church as a way of developing closer links in the community of Norton.