Middleton Christmas Lights Switch-on 2019

Date published: 28 November 2019

Middleton got into the festive spirit on Saturday 16 November as the township's Christmas lights were switched on.

A collaboration between Middleton Shopping Centre, Middleton Town Centre Management, Middleton Township and Rochdale Borough Council, the ‘Switch On’ event in Middleton Gardens offered fun-filled free Christmas activities for all between 12noon and 6pm.

Middleton Gardens were converted into a Christmas Wonderland, offering food stalls and hot drinks, and Middleton Roundtable provided free mulled wine, hot Vimto, and mince pies to the visitors.

Among the activities was a free photobooth, a funfair, magic shows, Punch & Judy shows and balloon modelling. Children could also speak to Santa, who came with his elves to hand out selection boxes, and Middleton’s giant elf on a shelf 'Elfie' also took part in the festivities.

Middleton Town Centre Manager, Victoria Davies, said: “The fun started at 12noon and saw magic and puppet shows, live singing, dancing and drama from local community groups such as Tracing Steps, Kids Praise Theatre Workshop and Fairstage Academy, and Middleton Brass Band all took to the stage to provide some amazing entertainment for the crowds.

“We had an amazing time; we saw throughout the day hundreds of people come down to enjoy and take part in the free event. All the community groups were excellent and worked so hard to put on some great entertainment for our crowds. My thanks go to you all."

The event was successful with approximately 450 attending throughout the day.

Victoria continued: “This was one of the largest turn outs I have ever seen. I am so proud to be a part of Middleton, to watch how the community has come out together to celebrate Christmas and support us… it was fantastic”.

At 6pm, the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Billy Sheerin - accompanied by Mayoress Lynn Sheerin, Councillor Donna Williams, Chair of Middleton Township Committee, and Millie O’ Shea, the winner of Middleton Shopping Centre's ‘Be a Star for a Night’ competition - proceeded to officially switch on the Christmas lights.

The event ended with a fireworks show after the light switch on.

All photos courtesy of Jimmy Carter.