Norden Christmas lights switch-on 2018

Date published: 03 December 2018

Norden village was packed out with close to one thousand people for the annual Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday (29 November).

Norden was once again set for another special evening, a real treat for all, with carol singing and a festive market, plus late-night shopping and food from selected retailers.

The colourful lights were switched on by Roy Down, chairman of Rochdale In Bloom, who was joined by Father Christmas and Rochdale AFC mascot Desmond the Dragon, before a surprise firework display, which was sponsored by Andrea McCarrick from AJ Properties.

Children also had the chance to meet Father Christmas in Santa’s Grotto at Millionhairs, with a few treats for those on the ‘nice’ list. Andrew from Millionhairs did a children's lucky dip and Anne Tattersall and Roger Tattersall from Tip Toes next door served black peas, tea, coffee and hot Vimto, where all money they raised was donated to the NSPCC.

Minutes before Santa was due to arrive on his sleigh in the village, organisers of the event had a call from the elves at the North Pole, saying Santa's sleigh had broken down.

When Dave Sweetmore announced the bad news, the look on children's faces dropped, but help was on hand as John Roberts from Total Smart Solutions Breakdown & Recovery came to the rescue and rode Santa through the village in style on a beautifully decorated recovery truck, which the elves had quickly transformed.

The night was hosted by Dave Sweetmore, from Revolution Radio, with lighting and a stage all set up and the night was stewarded by Norden Environmental and Economic Village Association (NEEVA) volunteers.

Fab Dance Centre performed Christmas classics, whilst the choir at Whittaker Moss Primary School chorused traditional hymns and songs as the Salvation Army Brass Band played festive tunes.

Villagers enjoyed variety of seasonal treats, including traditional mince pies, mulled wine donated by local councillors, Streetwise Magazines and the Norden Co-op, plus food stalls from the Brown Cow, Wildbloods butchers, Commic Candy, Norden Community Cafe and Bubbles & Barley, who kept the adults topped up.

Festive markets filled the Norden Bowling & Social Club, and a raffle with prizes, including two Christmas hampers that were sponsored by the Co-op: the winners will be announced soon.

Paul Ellison, Chairman of NEEVA, commented: “It was great to see a well-attended event supported by a large number of villagers and so many young residents who seemed to have a particularly good evening.

“It is my second year holding the event and I always like for Norden to have these big celebrations. The village has gone from strength to strength and it is always so extremely well attended: I believe this year was a record attendance.

"I would like to thank everyone who helped make the night as magical as it was: the shops, the market traders and everyone who came out.

"A special thank you goes to Keela Walsh from the Norden Co-op for sponsoring the beautiful Christmas hampers for the raffle and towards our minced pie and mulled wine stall. After the switch on of the lights and fireworks, this officially declares Norden ready for Christmas.

“Many thanks are due to all who staged and participated in this very enjoyable event.”

Norden Christmas Lights switch on