It’s lights, cameras and puppet action
TOWNSHIPS across Hyndburn got into the festive spirit with a series of lights switch-ons, markets and nativities.
Around 200 people gathered at Jubilee Gardens on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle on Monday, December 3, for a service and blessing of the crib.
Children from St Andrew’s primary school sang carols and readings were given by local religious leaders.
Stanhill Methodist Church held its annual ‘Live Nativity’ in the James Hargreaves Memorial Gardens on Saturday, December 1.
Residents followed the donkeys through the village and then re-enacted the nativity, with Charlotte Rumble playing Mary and her husband Simon as Joseph.
Puppeteers from West End Methodist Church also gave their own rendition of ‘Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born’.
Helen Plummer, Stanhill Methodist church steward, said: “We appreciated a larger number of people this year who turned out in the unpredictable weather.
“The donkeys and the puppets added to the atmosphere of re-telling the event of the birth of Jesus, which reminds us all why we really do celebrate Christmas.”
Torrential rain and strong winds failed to dampen the spirits in Baxenden as village folk met on Southwood Drive.
Hyndburn Mayor Mohammad Ayub switched on the lights on Friday, November 30, and Baxenden St John’s school also held their PTFA Christmas fair.
The Switch on Rishton event was also held on Saturday with performances from the winners of ‘Rishton’s Got Talent’ and band Snatch who donated their £250 fee to the Milly’s Smiles charity.
The lights were switched on by the family of Susan Shaw and the event was opened by Coun Ayub and Town Crier Rawden Kerr and led local church leaders.
Kate Walsh, group secretary, said it was the ‘best one yet’ and thanked everyone for their support.
The residents of Aspen Fold in Oswaldtwistle also put on an impressive show of Christmas lights and were visited by Father Christmas.