Heywood Christmas lights switch on

Photo: Emily Schofield

Heywood Christmas lights switch on

4 More Image(s) In Gallery

Scroll down for Video

A superb turn out in Heywood saw people and floats start from The Heywood pub and parade to St Luke’s Parish Church, arriving just before the Heywood Christmas Lights Switch On.

Floats had been decorated by community groups and volunteers. Back o'th'Moss community centre even had the MP, Liz McInnes as a passenger on theirs. The whole of the Town Centre in front of St Luke's was brought to a standstill as crowds filled the pavements, roads and the grass.

Stalls outside the Civic Centre, plus mince pies and drinks served at St Luke’s, were followed by brass bands, a concert and DJ before the lights were officially switched on by Robbie Yusuf.

Robbie has recently completed a sponsored swim of a mile and raised £500 for the Heywood Foodbank and was voted in as Heywood's own celebrity guest star by Heywood people.

As the lights came on, Christmas music and a laser display filled the air.

Father Paul Daly said: "It get's better year on year. Local people have worked incredibly hard to organise this event which started at 11am and has brought Christmas cheer to Heywood for the whole day. It really is stunning. Thank you to everyone who has supported it; organisers, local businesses and agencies, the media, and all who came to take part or to watch. This is what happens when local people and businesses work together for the common good.

"It is wonderful that at the head of the procession, before the bright lights and wonderful festive music, is a small group on foot - Mary, Joseph and the donkey, angel, shepherds and two Kings and a Queen!"

Sharps Trucks, who helped out with trucks for the floats, came in for special praise, Steven Holt commenting on social media said: "Sharps Trucks, full marks, well done."

Julie Barnes added: "Well done Sharps Trucks and everyone involved; gets better every year and thank you all the people that came out for it."