Littleborough Christmas lights switch-on

Rochdale Mayor Councillor Aasim Rashid, Summer-Rose Dixon and Mayoress Rifit Rashid at the Christmas Lights switch on event in Littleborough

Storm Arwen forced Littleborough Events & Associations Forum (LEAF) to revise the plans for Saturday's Christmas Lights event in Littleborough.

A weather warning for high winds on 27 November meant that the usual fun fair, stalls and entertainment had to be cancelled due to safety concerns. However, the voluntary group still managed to put on a smaller switch-on at the tree as the winds died down later in the evening.

The lights were switched on by 10-year old Summer-Rose Dixon who won the Littleborough Lions Peace Poster competition. She was accompanied by Rochdale Mayor Councillor Aasim Rashid, Lady Mayoress Rifit Rashid and Santa Claus with his elves. Littleborough Lions Nora and Harry Hawskworth and Littleborough's ward councillors were also in attendance.

After the switch-on, those who braved the cold to watch the lights went to meet Santa and his elves in the relative warmth of Holy Trinity Church.

Simon France, Chair of LEAF, said: "This was our first event since 2019 and the whole team were gutted that the storm prevented us from putting on the event we had planned. However, safety must always come first.

"I am so proud of the team for pulling together to arrange an alternative event that meant Summer-Rose could still get her moment in the spotlight. Christmas has officially arrived in Littleborough."