Christmas lights bring festive sparkle to Rossendale

Rossendale is set to glitter this Christmas as festive lights turn on across the borough.

Fun performances, parades and tasty food will entertain the crowds before the lights turn on to mark the official start of Christmas.

Whitworth is first to light up on Sunday, November 24^th at the Civic Hall at 6pm.

It will start with people arriving outside the Riverside for a short prize giving on the outdoor stage before the lights are switched on by the Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Lynda Barnes, and the winners of the Christmas card design competition.

Entertainment is from the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band and Santa will make a special appearance to hand out presents to the children.

In Rawtenstall, the Christmas lights event will take place on Saturday, November 30^th from 4pm.

There will be Carol singing, music and children’s activities including lantern making from local churches from 10am on the Town Square.

The Family Lantern Parade along Bank Street led by Rossendale Drum Majorettes will start opposite the market at 4pm.

The big lights switch on from 4.30pm on Town Square with carol singing and the Water Band. Food stalls and refreshments will be available on the Town Square. There will also be a yurt on the Town Square all day, provided by local churches with activities and refreshments.

Any choirs or groups of carol singers who want to perform on the Town Square in Rawtenstall on Saturday, November 30^th before the Christmas Lights switch on are very welcome, anytime between noon and 3.30pm.  Contact communitiesteam@rossendalebc.gov.uk

Haslingden Christmas Lights will take place on Friday, December 6th from 5.30pm outside Haslingden Library on Deardengate.

Crafts will be in the library from Churches Together and there will be entertainment by Haslingden Primary School from 4pm. Lights switch on at 5pm outside the library.

Festivities are on all day on Haslingden Market which will stay open late until 8pm with extra stalls.

Bacup Christmas Festival is on Saturday, December 7^th from 10am to 5pm at Irwell Terrace and Bacup Market.

This year’s festival will include additional lighting on Irwell Terrace, a full Christmas market with a Santa’s Grotto, and Pete Sweetmore providing seasonal songs.

There will also be a stage hosting a range of entertainment including the Stacksteads band, the Somethingettes, Flashbax and community carol singing. The Terrace will also be hosting The Star Wars Stormtroopers, The Britannia Coconutters , The Rossendale Drum Majorettes and Dansworks Academy,

Kids’ entertainment and a food court will also be on offer. The Mayor will be turning on the new lights switch on finale with some surprises.