Accrington Observer

Hundreds gather for dazzling festive fun

- WORDS BY DANIELLE ROPER PICTURES BY FRANCO SANNA

HUNDREDS of people have turned out to a number of dazzling Christmas festivals.

Oswaldtwis­tle’s Christmas Lights switch-on event featured performanc­es from East Lancashire Concert Band, St Andrew’s School, Civic Arts Centre’s princesses with their snowman friend and the cast of Robin Hood, alongside Accrington Stanley players.

The Mayor of Hyndburn Tim O’Kane and the Oswaldtwis­tle Carnival Royalty switched on the lights after a short blessing of the crib by Rever- end Carole Garner. Santa and his sleigh also helped to spread the Christmas spirit. More than 1,000 people are estimated to have attended.

Event organiser Gayle Knight said: “All of these groups gave their time for free to help create a friendly community event. It just shows what a lovely and caring community we have.”

A Christmas fairground, market and festive lights switch-on event was hosted by Altham Parish Council, also featuring a choir competitio­n involving primary schools.

There were also carols around the tree in Stanhill’s Memorial Gardens.

The residents of Aspen Fold in Oswaldtwis­tle have put on an impressive show of Christmas lights.

Householde­rs on the West End street have all got involved - especially at number 14 where Linda Grime and her husband have installed a dazzling array of lights. The Rotary Club of Church and Oswaldtwis­tle helped organise an opening switch-on, which raised £390, with much more to come by the time the lights are finally switched off. All proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

 ??  ?? Accrington Stanley mascot Winstanley and players joined youngsters at the Oswaldtwis­tle Christmas lights switch-on which was performed by Mayor Tim O’Kane
Accrington Stanley mascot Winstanley and players joined youngsters at the Oswaldtwis­tle Christmas lights switch-on which was performed by Mayor Tim O’Kane
 ??  ?? The Oswaldtwis­tle Christmas lights switch-on saw (from the left) princesses with their snowman friends, Oswaldtwis­tle carnival royals, local youngsters and cast members from Robin Hood
The Oswaldtwis­tle Christmas lights switch-on saw (from the left) princesses with their snowman friends, Oswaldtwis­tle carnival royals, local youngsters and cast members from Robin Hood
 ??  ?? Carolling around the tree in Stanhill Village’s Memorial Gardens
Carolling around the tree in Stanhill Village’s Memorial Gardens
 ??  ?? The residents of Aspen Fold, West End, Oswaldtwis­tle, have once more put on an impressive show of Christmas lights
The residents of Aspen Fold, West End, Oswaldtwis­tle, have once more put on an impressive show of Christmas lights
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 ??  ?? Some of the Rotary youngsters who attended the event
Some of the Rotary youngsters who attended the event
 ??  ?? A band was on hand to play festive tunes for the crowds
A band was on hand to play festive tunes for the crowds
 ??  ?? Altham CE Primary School choir sang for visitors at the village switch-on
Altham CE Primary School choir sang for visitors at the village switch-on
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 ??  ?? Christophe­r Perkins at the Altham event
Christophe­r Perkins at the Altham event

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