Festivities get under way with lights switch-on
NEARLY 1,000 people watched Norden’s Christmas lights switchon.
The event, attended by Deputy Mayor of Rochdale Coun Billy Sheerin, was hosted by the village’s association NEEVA.
The colourful lights were switched on by Roy Down, chairman of Rochdale In Bloom, who was joined by Father Christmas and Rochdale AFC mascot Desmond the Dragon, before a surprise firework display, sponsored by Andrea McCarrick from AJ Properties.
Children could meet Father Christmas in Santa’s Grotto at Millionhairs.
There was a children’s lucky dip and black peas and refreshments.
Villagers enjoyed performances by Fab Dance, a chorus of classic hymns and songs from the Whittaker Moss Primary School choir and PTA, and tunes from the Salvation Army Brass Band.
NEEVA chairman Paul Ellison said it was believed to be a record attendance.
He added: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make the night as magical as it was.
“A special thank you goes to Keela Walsh from the Norden Co-op for sponsoring the beautiful Christmas hampers for the raffle and towards our minced pie and mulled wine stall.”