Mayor and Mayoress switch on Heywood Christmas lights

Heywood Christmas Festival - Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On

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Hundreds of people watched the Mayor and Mayoress, Ray and Elaine Dutton, switch Heywood's Christmas lights on as the church bells chimed and The Olde Queen Anne hosted a short firework display.

Music filled the air as both Middleton Youth Brass Band and Littleborough Brass Band played well-known Christmas songs like ‘Santa Claus is Coming To Town’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ at ‘Morrison’s Gap’.

Numerous Christmas market stalls were open outside the Civic Centre, selling everything from hot chocolate, cakes and jars of cookie mix to offering rides on a small train or a swing-carousel. Phillipa and Emily of the Heywood Explorer Scouts helped keep the Christmas cheer going with their very appropriate attire as they sold hot beverages.

Children had the chance to see Santa at Mike Goldrick Blinds & Curtains and Tilly’s Tea Room, but needn’t have worried if they missed him as Elfie the Elf was spotted on the streets of Heywood on a special mission to add the well-behaved children to Santa’s ‘nice list’, along with any present requests.

Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, Captain America, Batman, Peppa Pig, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Paw Patrols’ Marshall and Chase were available for photo opportunities around the town centre.

For parents who fancied a hot drink indoors after meeting the above, mulled cider and specialty coffees were on offer at The Olde Queen Anne.

The Talent Show outside St. Luke’s Parish Church opened with a thirty minute demonstration of numerous performances by a group of dancers from Lisa Jayne’s Dance and Fitness. They performed energetic routines from street to ballet across a range of music genres, including the ‘Frozen’ soundtrack, Justin Bieber’s ‘What Do You Mean’ and more.

Later performances followed from Hey Kids, Possabilities and Voice.