Village lights up ‘best ever’ festive fun
CELEBRITY guests and Rochdale AFC players did the honours at the ‘best ever’ Norden’s Christmas lights switch-on.
More than 1500 people turned out for the village festive event and also enjoyed shopping at market stalls and watching a ‘brilliant’ fireworks display.
Organisers NEEVA (Norden Environmental and Economic Village Association) said the children were excited to meet Father Christmas in his Grotto at Millionhairs while musical entertainment was provided by Whittaker Moss Primary School choir, Fab Dance Centre and The Salvation Army Brass Band.
The night was hosted by Revolution Radio presenter Dave Sweetmore and they were joined by Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin, Bee Inspired’s Pauline Cooper, and one of this year’s Men of Rochdale, Paul Ellison.
Rochdale AFC assistant manager Lee Riley, players Rhys Norrington-Davies and Fabio Tavares, and mascot Desmond the Dragon also attended the event.
Villagers enjoyed a variety of seasonal treats, including traditional mince pies and mulled wine donated by Streetwise Magazines and NEEVA, plus food stalls from Wildbloods butchers, Commic Candy, Zara’s lights, and festive freebies from Catherine’s Café and coffee shop.
Local businesses celebrated with the community with late-night shopping and food from selected retailers, including Garden of Eden and Denis Hope.
Father Christmas made a grand appearance, entering the village on a fittingly decorated float, supplied by John Roberts at Total Smart Solutions.
Throughout the evening special characters were seen throughout the village, including The Grinch, Mrs Claus, and Elsa and Anna from Frozen.
Anne and Roger Tattersall from Tip Toes served black peas and refreshments as well as hosting an ‘elf on the shelf’ raffle and lucky dip. They raised £66 for the NSPCC.
Tina Pickering collected £287 on her sweet treats stall, with all proceeds to Macmillan.
Members of the public also enjoyed a Bailey’s coffee and at the Aesthetic
Rooms by Zoe Pearson and hot dogs, corned beef hash, and hot drinks at the Old Community Café stall.
Local public houses and bars were booming with Christmas cheer and festive markets filled Norden Bowling and Social Club.
NEEVA chairman Paul Ellison said: “Our annual Christmas light switch-on is becoming bigger and better each year, so it’s safe to say that this year’s event was the best yet.
“Thanks goes to all of the NEEVA group - the true stars of the village - plus volunteers from Rochdale in Bloom, the council, Friends of Norden Jubilee Park, Dave Sweetmore, the Pickups of Norden, and Greater Manchester Police.”
●●Pictures by Paul Ellison