Tree returning for festive switch-on
THE Ormskirk Parish Christmas tree is back after a successful appeal to reinstate the town’s festive landmark. The lights will be switched on by children from Ormskirk CofE Primary School at Ormskirk Parish Church tomorrow, Friday, November 24 at 5.30pm, to dovetail with the council’s main switch-on event and celebrations.
The Christmas Crib Nativity will also be reinstated at the same time.
There will also be a Christmas Fair with stalls and refreshments in New Church House next to the church, and Church Street shops will still be open.
Dignitaries and fellow guests will assemble before processing into the town centre to the sounds of the piper. They will arrive at the main stage for the carol service conducted by the local clergy assisted by Friends In Unison Choir and Skelmersdale Prize Brass Band.
Cllr Adrian Owens of independent campaign group Our West Lancashire said: “The response from Ormskirk – its shops, businesses and townsfolk has been phenomenal.
“We were nervous when we launched the appeal along with partners the Parish Church, Scott’s Butchers and the Primary school.
“We needn’t have worried because we have seen donations large and small flooding in.
“We’ve been emptying the collecting tin at Scott’s Butchers twice a week.
“The idea of reinstating the tree and nativity scene, with the backdrop of the floodlit parish church with its iconic tower and spire, has really struck a chord.
“I want to say a huge thank-you to everyone who donated and to local activists Jane Thompson and Mary Wright for their efforts collecting from the town’s retailers.
“Thank you too to Massams Supplies Ltd and P&R Electrical Contractors for offering their services at a much reduced price.”
Cllr Ian Moran, leader of the borough council and portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said: “I would like to express my thanks to the local community who have raised the funds for an additional tree at the Church in Ormskirk this year.
“In support of this community initiative the council is pleased to provide both the lights and the traditional crib to complete the display.
“With the other tree at the town centre and all the festive lighting over the streets it is going to be a very festive Christmas this year in Ormskirk, and I cannot wait for the big Christmas lights switch-on event on Friday.
“From midday, there will be a Christmas Market at the Chapel Gallery and children’s fairground rides in Aughton Street, with other exciting activities starting from about 4pm to lead up to the lights being turned on at 6.30pm.
“With several new businesses opening in the town centre over the last few weeks, and more set to open, Ormskirk feels very much like a town on the up and I feel very positive about its future.”
Tomorrow the town centre will start the festive season in style, featuring:
The Chapel Gallery’s Christmas Market will run from noon to 8pm. There will also be free activities, and from 6pm there is live music, caricatures and free mulled wine.
Market stalls will be open on Moor Street, 4pm-8pm.
A giant snow globe will be on Moor Street, for a winter-wonderland photo opportunity.
The Rotary Club will be accompanying Santa on Moor Street from around 4pm.
From 4.30pm to 6pm there will be entertainment on and around the stage at the Clock Tower, including family entertainer Circus Frank, local dance and drama school Base Dance, and the Ormskirk Rock Choir.
Favourite children’s characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Captain America Minion will be in town meeting and greeting everyone, together with Silcocks amusements.
Compere Andy Jay will bring on the party atmosphere by introducing the acclaimed Neil Diamond tribute act capturing the passion and class of the man himself.
This will lead to the carol service at 6pm.
The Mayor of West Lancashire, Cllr Neil Furey, will give a Christmas address as part of the service, and then join guests at the “magic switch” in readiness for the countdown to the switch-on at 6.30pm conducted by Don Evans, West Lancashire’s town crier.