Whitworth’s Christmas Lights are switched on

Whitworth’s official Christmas Lights Switch On took place on Sunday 25 November at the Riverside.

The event, which was organised by Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee in association with Rossendale Borough Council and the Riverside, was attended by over 600 people.

The Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Madeline De Souza welcomed guests including the evening’s special guests - the winners of the children’s Christmas drawing competition, 8-year old Hannah Earnshaw from St John with St Michael Primary School and 4-year old Amelia Mayoh from Tonacliffe Primary School, who won the opportunity to switch on the lights on the night.

Festive songs were played by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Brass Band to entertain the crowd with their wonderful performance.

Whitworth Amateur Dramatics came along to promote their upcoming panto, Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood and the children from St John with St Michael launched their Christmas album to raise funds for the school PTA.

 

 

Father Christmas made a special appearance and handed out sweets to the children from his spectacular grotto, which was kindly 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 and the prizes for the competition winners were kindly donated by RRG Toyota Rochdale. 

A great big thank-you to the volunteers of the Tourism and Leisure Committee for their hard work to make this event happen and to the volunteers who gave their time building grottos and decorating the building and massive thanks to volunteer Les Hirst and his team of helpers who have been installing Christmas trees on properties ready for the event.

The Mayor of Whitworth said: “As always, there was a fantastic turn out on the night. I had a wonderful evening and it really marked the start of the festive season for us. 

“Many congratulations to Hannah and Amelia, whose drawings 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 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!”