Hundreds see Valley lit up
THE Christmas spirit was alive and well as the festive season got underway in Haslingden, Bacup and Weir.
Families and children gathered on Deardengate outside the library as Haslingden YouTube star Antonella Brollini and Rossendale Mayor Coun Ann Kenyon switched on the lights.
Haslingden High School Brass Band entertained crowds with a variety of Christmas songs and carols.
Father Christmas visited to speak to the children and hand out sweets, and visitors could also browse and shop at a festive market.
Antonella said she was ‘beyond delighted and so proud’ to help switch on the lights for a second year running.
The Bacup Christmas Festival, organised by the Bacup Now Community Group, has also been hailed a great success, despite rainy weather.
The Artisan Market was ‘buzzing’ with hundreds of people, and all traders reported that they had a brilliant day in takings, but also as part of a great atmosphere.
Santa’s Grotto had almost 200 children queuing up to see Santa.
The surprise light switch on flooded the buildings of Irwell Terrace with vibrant colour.
Organiser Barry Hyde, who runs the Bacup Now Word Press blog, said there were many people to thank for their support of the festival, including Rossendale council, local businesses, the Artisan market traders, MC Pete Sweetmore, of Rossendale Radio, and the ‘fantastic’ marshals.
He told the Free Press: “Despite the weather, the festival was brilliant.”
Eleven-year-olds Paul Gregson and Alice Ormrod, along with Rowan Bradley, six, were selected to switch on the Christmas lights in the playground at Weir after their drawings were picked as the best.
They received framed copies of their pictures and a free pizza at Anna’s Café Bar.
Weir Pride raised £1,475 to brighten up the village at Christmas from grants and donations from businesses and Rossendale council provided match funding.
Cheerleaders from Fusion Dance and Fitness performed a routine and mince pies were served.
Everyone is welcome to attend the park at 6.30pm on Monday, December 24 when Weir Baptist Church will be hosting its annual open-air service of carols.