Over 12,000* people came down to The Rock Shopping and Entertainment Destination in Bury on Thursday evening to witness its first ever Christmas Light’s Switch-On and enjoy the festive celebrations.
The Rock had a fantastic schedule of entertainment on the main stage throughout the evening; including Narnia-themed fashion shows, performances from the Street Star Competition finalists, as well as Take That Again, who kept the crowds entertained in to the evening, despite the rain.
St Johns’ Square was transformed into a winter wonderland, with life-like snow filling the air and characters from Narnia which were brought to life for one night only. The Rock’s Ultimate Snowball Experience was also unveiled and special guests, the Royal Northern Ballet’s cast of The Nutcracker, performed for the crowds from inside the globe. The globe will be in position in St John’s Square until 1st January 2011.
Local family, the Jones’, won the competition to lead the lantern parade. Five year-old Poppy, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and family, led the procession which included pupils from local schools; Our Lady of Lourdes, Chesham Primary School and St Marie’s RC Primary, who had each decorated lanterns which they carried through the streets of The Rock.
On the event, Nikki Kitchen, marketing manager for The Rock, commented: “It was a magical evening and we would like to thank everyone who came out in the rain to enjoy the festivities. Nothing can dampen Bury’s festive spirit it seems!
“All the Street Star finalists performed on the main stage during the event, and we are now asking the public to visit www.facebook.com/therockbury to view videos of the performances and vote for their favourite to win. Voting will close in January.”
To find out more about The Rock please read the feature
