Whitworth Christmas lights switch on

Photo: Mike Burgess

The Mayor and Mayoress of Whitworth, Alan and Janet Neal with Lucy Wilkins and Josephine Ball

Whitworth’s Christmas lights were switched on by 10-year old Lucy Wilkins from Tonacliffe Primary and eight-year-old Josephine Ball from St Bartholomew’s Primary at the Riverside on Sunday.

Josephine and Lucy were the winners of the children’s Christmas Rock painting competition.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Whitworth, Alan and Janet Neal welcomed guests.

Mayor Neal said: “As always, there was a fantastic turn out on the night.

“I had a wonderful evening and it really marked the start of the festive season for us.

“Many congratulations to Lucy and Josephine, whose rock designs were beautifully produced.

"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.

“A very special thank you to Father Christmas for taking the time out of his busy schedule to be with us in Whitworth”

Festive songs were played by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Brass Band and Whitworth’s very own Community Choir entertained the crowd.

Father Christmas made a special appearance and handed out sweets to the children from his grotto, which was donated by Robert Kershaw from Prosceneium.

Howard Wilkinson was busy taking family portraits, and mulled wine and mince pies were served.

The sweets were donated by RRG Toyota Rochdale and Val Bennet donated the prizes for the two competition winners.