Middleton Christmas Lights switch on

Middleton Christmas Lights switch on

On Saturday 17 November Middleton held its Christmas lights switch on and saw hundreds of people visit Middleton Gardens. Ahead of the main event itself a variety of performers took to the stage to entertain the crowds - including the award winning Middleton Brass Band, Langley Theatre Workshop, Tracing Steps, Middleton Pop Stars and Paris and Savannah Kunyo.

There were a number of food stalls and Middleton's Round Table put on free mulled wine and mince pies to get everyone in a 'Christmassy mood'.

There was a funfair throughout the day and even Santa and his elves took a break from giving out selection boxes to have a ride and join in the fun, there was also a free photo booth for people to take away a festive selfie as a reminder of the day.

A raffle was held to raise money for local charities with kind donations from local businesses such as Lords the Butchers, Lean and Green/The Milk Barn and Niche Hair and Beauty. Market traders also donated prizes of a Creed gift set from The Wax Company Stall and a sweet hamper.

Following the Shopping Centre's competition to 'Be a Star' for the night - where Middletonians nominated someone they believes goes that extra mile for Middleton and its community - Ros Liddle and Jan Eaton-Dykes from Middleton In Bloom were chosen for all their hard work relating to the Centenary of World War One and the installation of 'poppies' around the town. This meant they got to 'switch on' the lights alongside the Mayoress of Rochdale - Naaira Zaman, Councillor Donna Williams and of course the main man himself - Santa Claus. The day itself finished off with a fabulous firework display.

The event was organised by Middleton Town Centre Management, in partnership with Middleton Shopping Centre and Rochdale Borough Council.

Victoria Davies, Middleton Town Centre and Market Manager said: "We again had an amazing turn out, there were hundreds of people here. All our performers on stage were brilliant and got everyone in the 'Christmas Spirit'. The atmosphere was great all day and had a real community feel about it - especially with the 'Be a Star' competition and having the lights switched on by our 'special guests' voted for by the people of Middleton, it seemed to make it extra special. The people of Middleton once again did us proud"