Riley Murphy and Maizie-Jo Bebb switch on Whitworth’s Christmas Lights

Photo: Mike Burgess

Riley Murphy and Maizie-Jo Bebb switch on Whitworth’s Christmas Lights

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Riley Murphy, 4, from St Bartholomew’s Primary and 10-year old Maizie-Jo Bebb, from St John with St Michael Primary, switched on Whitworth’s Christmas Lights at The Riverside on Sunday.

Riley and Maizie-Jo were special guests having won the schools colouring competition and the opportunity to switch on the lights.

The Mayor and Consort of Whitworth, Lynda Barnes and David Barnes, welcomed guests including the Worshipful the Mayor and Consort of Rossendale, Marilyn Proctor and David Proctor, and over 400 people, the biggest turnout yet.

Festive songs were sung accompanied by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Brass Band, and Whitworth 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 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.”

The event was organised by Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee in association with Rossendale Borough Council and the Riverside.