Festive feeling as lights are aglow
STUART PIKE
TOWNSHIPS across the borough are getting that festive feeling after a series of sparkling lights illumination events.
Hundreds of people attended events in Rishton, Great Harwood, Baxenden, Huncoat, Clayton-le-Moors and Milnshaw this week.
More than 600 revellers turned out at the Civic Centre and Library in Rishton as former Accrington Stanley footballer Brett Ormerod set the town aglow.
There was a carol service followed by the blessing of the crib, a market, fairground rides, a funhouse and a Santa’s grotto.
Nick Hayward, chairman of organisers Switch on Rishton, said: “It was a brilliant do – better than last year and very well attended.
“Everyone worked really hard to raise the funds to provide it and we’ve had some very positive feedback.”
St Wulstan’s, St Hubert’s, St Bartholomew’s and St John’s and Great Harwood primary schools sang hymns and carols to mark the annual switch-on in Great Harwood.
The lights were officially turned on by Stanley mascot Winstanley. Town crier Rawden Kerr presented prizes to the winners of the best dressed Christmas window competition, with optician Eyes of Harwood coming first.
Around 100 people gathered in Baxenden where friends Jennifer Robbins and Kate McLaughlin, who raised £1,500 for a new defibrillator outside Baxenden Village Club, flicked the switch. MP Graham Jones, Mayor Tim O’Kane and Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Police Cadets also attended. A Christmas fair was also held at Baxenden St John’s primary.
Stanley players Billy Kee and Jordan Clark flicked the switch in Clayton-le-Moors. Crowds on Barnes Square were entertained by singing from primary school pupils and a visit from club mascot Winstanley.
Around 200 people also braved the cold at the Great Harwood Farmers’ Market.
Organiser Andrew Wallin said: “It was a really good event with a great atmosphere.”
Lights were also turned on this week in Huncoat and Milnshaw, while Oswaldtwistle’s big switch-on was due to take place on Wednesday night. A Christmas fairground, market and festive lights switch-on event will be held in Altham on Saturday, December 10, from 2pm to 9pm outside Media House, Burnley Road. There will be carol singing in the Memorial Gardens, Stanhill, on Sunday, December 11, at 6.30pm.