Gallery
Whitworth’s official Christmas Lights Switch On took place on Sunday 22 November at the Riverside.
The event, which was organised by Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee in association with Rossendale Borough Council and the Riverside, was attended by over 400 people, the biggest turnout yet. The Mayor and Consort of Whitworth, Councillor Lynda Barnes and Mr David Barnes, welcomed guests including the Worshipful the Mayor & Consort of Rossendale, Councillor Marilyn Proctor & Mr David Proctor, and the evening’s special guests were the winners of the schools colouring competition, 4-year old Riley Murphy from St Bartholomew’s Primary and 10-year old Maizie-Jo Bebb from St John with St Michael Primary, who won the opportunity to switch on the lights on the night.
Festive songs were sung accompanied by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Brass Band, and Whitworth’s very own Community Choir entertained the crowd with their debut performance.
Father Christmas made a special appearance and handed out sweets to the children, Howard Wilkinson was busy taking family portraits, and mulled wine and mince pies were served. There was even a visit from a minion, Elsa and Olaf this year too!
The Mayor of Whitworth said: “As always, there was a fantastic turn out on the night, and the weather stayed fine for us, too. The Consort and I had a wonderful evening and it really marked the start of the festive season for us.
Many congratulations to Riley and Maizie, whose pictures were beautifully produced, and thanks to all who helped to make the event so special, especially the staff at the Riverside and the Borough Council, the Youth Band, the Whitworth Community Choir, the Whitworth Tourism and Leisure Committee who did an outstanding job, and Melanie, our Town Clerk. And a very special thank you to Father Christmas for taking the time out of his busy schedule to be with us in Whitworth!”
For more details, contact Melanie Hearn, Town Clerk at Whitworth Town Council, on 01706 852018 / email: info@whitworth.gov.uk.
