Big switch-on set to light up festive season
THE countdown to Christmas begins in the borough on Sunday with the official switching-on of the lights.
There will be live music and a festive market at the event, with thousands of people expected to attend.
In a change to the usual programme, however, the council have said there will be no fireworks display to make the occasion as inclusive as possible for young children.
Events manager Sue Taylor said: “With a local festive market, food and drink, activities for the children and amazing street theatre to entertain the crowds, we’ve put together an excellent bill of entertainment for all the family to enjoy.
“Along with the changes we have made to make the event more inclusive and lighting the town hall in stunning colours for the day, I’m looking forward to seeing our communities come together to celebrate the beginning of Christmas 2019.”
The Christmas market opens at 1pm, with 30 stalls in the Great Hall offering cards, decorations and much more, while outside there will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks. You can also eat at the Christmas Cafe while Wardle Community Brass Band and Rochdale Music Service play some yuletide favourites.
From 4pm the build-up to the lights switch on really begins with some classic pop tunes from Fat Cat Brass, the visit of a winter fairy and lots more street theatre performances.
Father Christmas, the mayor and special guests including the stars of Cinderella - Middleton Arena’s pantomime will switch-on the lights at 5pm.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council said they want to make their events as inclusive as possible and suitable for young children, as well as those sensitive to loud noises, so as a change to the usual programme, there will be no fireworks display.
There will also be a quiet area for anyone who wants some time away from the crowds inside the town hall building and visitors with sensory difficulties will be able to access ear defenders to assist with enjoying the experience of the event.
A Christmas switch on event will also take in place in Littleborough town centre on Saturday, November 30 from 4pm to 6pm.