Gingerbread house competition judged by George Clarke will raise awareness of homelessness this Christmas

The Biscuit Factory in Ouseburn
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Gingerbread Street is the new gingerbread house building competition coming to Newcastle this Christmas season, with an important message behind the event.

Competition entrants will deploy their best amateur - or professional - bakers and builders to create a gingerbread house, factory, shop or any other everyday building, which will then go on display to form a Gingerbread Street. But not before they have been judged by architect and TV presenter George Clarke, and Helen Doyle, the head pastry chef at 21 Hospitality.

All competition entrants will be invited to the exclusive judging event at The Biscuit Factory in Ouseburn on December 3. The biscuit-y buildings will be displayed alongside each other to create an installation that will remain on display for families to visit throughout December.

READ MORE:Mindless Newcastle motorist drove on footpath during daytime police pursuit near school

READ MORE:Gateshead mentally ill man tried to murder Imam after being barred from mosque

The competition is being coordinated by Gateshead-based homeless charity Oasis Community Housing and sponsored by Lovell Homes, aiming to raise awareness of homelessness and the community that is needed to make people feel they have a home.

Oasis Community Housing's Chief Executive, Sarah Lister, said: "Ending homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone's head. Building community around people is at the heart of what we do, so every individual feels safe and like they belong.

"We wanted to bring that message to life and so, with a dusting of Christmas spirit, we have Gingerbread Street!"

Local businesses, churches and community groups are being invited to get involved as places are still available for those who wish to enter. Local schools will also be constructing small non-edible houses for the exhibition, thanks to workshops organised by George's own charity, MOBIE (Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education).

Sarah added: "Already a project with real community support, we can't wait to see businesses' creations and the public's feedback to this exciting new event - which will help us continue making life-changing differences to people facing homelessness across the region."

Spaces are still available to get involved in Gingerbread Street, with applications closing on November 20. All competition entry fees will go towards Oasis Community Housing's 'Giving a Home' Christmas Appeal and will also be doubled, thanks to the charity's partnership with the Big Give. Three plot sizes are available on the street, ranging from £400 to £1,000.

To find out more about the competition, contact Hazel Ditchburn on 07869 283728 or visit bit.ly/GingerbreadStreet.