Lucy Williams and Hazel Murphy Wisker turn on Whitworth’s Christmas Lights

Photo: Mike Burgess

Mayor of Whitworth, Madeline De Souza with Lucy Williams and Hazel Murphy Wisker

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Seven-year old Lucy Williams, from Tonacliffe Primary, and 10-year old Hazel Murphy Wisker, from St Bartholomew’s Primary, switched on the lights at Whitworth’s official Christmas Lights Switch On, which took place on Sunday 27 November at the Riverside.

The two children won the opportunity to switch on the lights on as winners of the school’s badge design competition.

The Mayor of Whitworth, Madeline De Souza welcomed over 500 people to the event, the biggest turnout yet.

Festive songs were played by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Brass Band and Whitworth’s  Community Choir entertained the crowd.

Father Christmas made a special appearance and handed out sweets to children from hisgrotto, which was donated by Robert Kershaw from Prosceneium,

Howard Wilkinson was busy taking family portraits, and mulled wine and mince pies were served.

The sweets for this year’s events were donated by two local companies, Aquajets Plus Clean Living and Tim Hearn Kitchen and Bedroom Ltd.

The Mayor of Whitworth said: “There was a fantastic turn out on the night, and the weather stayed fine for us, too. I had a wonderful evening and it really marked the start of the festive season for us.

“Many congratulations to Lucy and Hazel, whose badge designs were beautifully produced, and thanks to all who helped to make the event so special, especially the staff at the Riverside and the Borough Council, the Youth Band, the Whitworth Community Choir, the Whitworth Tourism and Leisure Committee who did an outstanding job, and Melanie, our Town Clerk, and a very special thank you to Father Christmas for taking the time out of his busy schedule to be with us in Whitworth.”

The event was organised by Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee in association with Rossendale Borough Council and The Riverside.