Rochdale Christmas Lights switch on

Rochdale Christmas Lights switch on
Mayor Ian Duckworth and Mayoress Christine Duckworth with Olaf, Anna, Elsa, Father Christmas, Children’s Champion George Holt and Member of Youth Parliament Sarah Mahmood on the Town Hall balcony

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Rochdale’s festive countdown kicked off in style this weekend as the magnificent Town Hall was bathed in colourful lights for the annual Christmas lights switch on.

The lights were switched on from the balcony of the Town Hall by Mayor Ian Duckworth and Father Christmas, helped by Frozen characters Elsa, Anna and Olaf, before a glittering firework display truly had the town in the spirit for Christmas.

Mayor Duckworth said: “As the Mayor of Rochdale, I want to wish you all a very warm welcome and thank you for joining us at the wonderful Town Hall for our Christmas lights switch-on.”

The crowds joined in a countdown from five before colourful fireworks lit up the sky behind the Town Hall, sparkling lights twinkled from the trees in the Memorial Gardens and the rich and vivid decorations shone out from the lamp posts.

Mayor Duckworth continued: “It is a great way to kick off the festive spirit, and it is fantastic to see a professional job done on the lights. I remember when they were rather dim, and how we have progressed. They look fabulous and stunning, another positive thing for Rochdale, and the Cenotaph looks fabulous as a backdrop.

“It is an obvious step forward and I hope to look forward to a prosperous 2017 for everyone in the Rochdale Borough.”

Mayoress Christine Duckworth added: “The lights make Rochdale look so welcoming, and I hope everyone has enjoyed them as much as I have.”

Prior to the lights switch on, an afternoon of Christmas shopping was to be had in the Great Hall, where Christmas presents and stocking fillers could be found amongst the goods sold by local stallholders. Many handmade products were available to purchase including Christmas gifts, cards, children’s clothes and toys, tasty treats and jewellery.

Seasonal food and drink was served in the ‘Christmas Café’ with performances by Rochdale Music Service, and yuletide favourites from Wardle Community Brass Band.

There was also a tempting array of food and drink available outside the Town Hall, including mulled wine, hot chocolates and specialty coffees, plus snacks ranging from waffles and pancakes to naan, savoury cheese French toast, fish and chips, hot mince pies and fusion quesadillas.