Whitworth’s official Christmas Lights Switch On took place on Sunday 21 November.
The event, which was organised by Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee in association with Rossendale Borough Council, was attended by around 350 people.
The Mayors of Whitworth and Rossendale welcomed members of the public to the Riverside, and a number of festive songs were sung, accompanied by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band. Father Christmas made a special appearance, and mulled wine, mince pies and refreshments for the children were served.
Special guests were the two winners of the schools colouring competition, 10-year old Shona Wesley from St Bartholomew’s Primary School and 6-year old Molly Wilkinson from Tonacliffe Primary School, who won the opportunity to switch on the lights on the night.
Councillor David Chorlton, Mayor of Whitworth and Chair of the Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee said: “We were absolutely amazed by how many people turned up on the night. We ran out of mulled wine and mince pies due to the huge numbers in attendance! Many congratulations to Shona and Molly, who produced two wonderful pictures, and thanks to all who helped to make the event so special, especially the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, the staff at the Riverside and the Borough Council, and to Karen, our Town Clerk. And of course thanks to Father Christmas for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to be with us on the night!”
For more details, contact Karen Douglas, Town Clerk at Whitworth Town Council, on 01706 852018 / email: info@whitworth.gov.uk.
Photograph by Jim Mellor
