Cracker of a turnout for big lights night
CARNIVAL royalty and civic leaders were joined by a cracking turnout for the Oswaldtwistle Christmas lights switch-on.
Young choristers from Hippings Methodist, Moor End, St Andrew’s and Mount Carmel joined together to entertain the crowd by singing carols.
There were also performances from the East Lancashire Concert band and the cast of Wizard of Oz and youngsters also got the chance to see Santa thanks to the Rotary Club.
Hyndburn Mayor Peter Britcliffe opened the proceedings on Tuesday night before the Rev Anthony Roberts, of Trinity Church in Oswaldtwistle, blessed the crib.
The Oswaldtwistle Carnival Prince and Princess, Cian Bamford and Olivia Batt assisted with the switch-on.
Event co-organiser Gayle Knight, of the Civic Arts Centre, said ‘unprecedented numbers’ turned out to enjoy the festivities.
She said: “It was a larger turnout than in previous years but that was down to the weather. It’s the first time for about three years that it wasn’t absolutely pelting down. It was very good of the school choirs to join together this year. It’s something I’ve been trying to do for quite a few years. It was really lovely.”
ACCRINGTON’S big switch-on was due to be held on Thursday, with festivities starting from 5.15pm, a fireworks display and late-night shopping until 8.30pm. Finley Rosbotham, eight, has been chosen to turn on the lights.