Whitworth’s Christmas Lights switch on

Photo: Jim Mellor

Holly Atkin and Liberty Shepherd turning on the Christmas lights in Whitworth with Father Christmas

Whitworth’s official Christmas Lights Switch On took place on Sunday 24 November at the Riverside with over 600 people in attendance.

The Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Lynda Barnes welcomed the evening’s special guests - the winners of the children’s Christmas card design competition, 8-year old Holly Atkin from St John with St Michael primary and 11-year old Liberty Shepherd from St Bartholomew’s Primary, 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. 

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, 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. 

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 Holly and Liberty, whose drawings were beautifully produced. I will be using their designs as my Mayoral Christmas cards this year. 

“Thanks to all who helped to make the event so special, especially the volunteers of the Tourism and Leisure Committee for their hard work to make this event happen. The staff at the Riverside and Rossendale Borough Council, the Youth Band, the Whitworth Tourism and Leisure Committee who did an outstanding job, and Melanie, our Town Clerk. 

"Also 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.

“And a very special thank you to Father Christmas for taking the time out of his busy schedule to be with us in Whitworth!”