Newcastle Fenwick store window display sparks mixed reaction

Bosses at the store said basing the display on the much-loved C.S. Lewis story promoted "children's literacy"

For more than 50 years the Fenwick Christmas window has entertained generations of families who have flocked to Newcastle's busiest shopping street.

This year's theme, the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe, features scenes from the much-loved book by C.S. Lewis.

It was unveiled online to the public on Sunday, who were quick to take to social media to share their views.

Here's what shoppers in Northumberland Street said when they saw it for the first time.

Fenwick bosses said the display depicted "mesmerising" characters from the beloved C.S. Lewis book

Joyce Winder, of Jesmond, Newcastle, said she always made time to check out the store's yearly display.

"I think it looks really nice, really Christmassy, and the children will love it," she said.

"They've had the cardboard display before, but I think it looks really good."

Joyce Winder gave the display the thumbs up and said it was very "Christmassy"

Lucilo Xuanyupan was on a first-time visit from Sheffield to Newcastle with his friends when they checked out the display.

He said: "I think it's really amazing.

"It's really exciting and because I have read the novel, the Legend of Narnia before, when I saw the window I was thinking, 'oh my God'."

Lucilo Xuanyupan had come from Sheffield with his friends, for a first-time visit to the city

Regular visitor to the display, Margaret Milburn said she was underwhelmed by the static nature of the characters and scenery.

"I think it's a little bit disappointing," she added.

"It's very nice, it looks like a book illustration, but for younger ones, which this window is supposedly for, the lack of automated movement with some of the characters is very flat.

Some people criticised "cardboard cut-outs" and called for more movement

"I don't think the characters will get the same response as they would in other years.

"I'm not saying I don't like it, but I think it will be a bit disappointing for the younger viewers.

"I just think they need to spend a bit more money on it and make something a bit more like what it usually is."

Margaret Milburn said the display was "nice" but was too static

Kieran McBride, store director, said people should come and see the display for themselves and that the "animation and scene-setting" of each of the windows was "incredible."

"We have to keep on thinking of new themes, new stories to tell," he said.

"This just depicts a perfect Christmas window - it has all the magical elements that you would want.

"We continue the tradition of family and community and importantly for us, the joy of reading and children's literacy."

The window depicts the characters Peter, Susan and Lucy visiting Father Christmas and helping rescue their brother Edmund from the White Witch

A team from Gateshead's Glasshouse International Centre for Music provided a specially-created soundtrack.

Music for the display was arranged by Newcastle-based conductor, Tim Burke, and performed by The Glasshouse community choir, Voices of the River's Edge, and orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia.