It was the annual switch on of our small town's Christmas lights on Friday. We used to take Daniel and Eleanor when they were young, and Mick and I went on our own back in 2016. We've missed a few years so I thought it was time we went along again. Daniel and Jasmine came with us this year, I think Eleanor and Jacob might have come too if it wasn't for the fact that Eleanor was rehearsing with her amateur dramatics group, it's almost time for the show to start and she's playing the lead part in Sleeping Beauty this year.
The whole Main Street is closed off to traffic and the festivities start at 5pm. We didn't go that early so I don't know what other entertainment was on the stage, but we were in time to see Santa Claus and the Leeds Rhinos mascot, Ronnie the Rhino, having a dance off.
At other times, Santa was dishing out gifts to children.
It's such a lovely community event for people of all ages. The local businesses get involved too and I love to see how all the independent shops decorate their windows. This is the local florist's window.
The market stalls were set up all day and there was a good mix of things on offer, mulled wine and hot chocolate being sold on one stall, children's toys on another. There were candles and wax melts, cakes and sweet treats, Christmas baubles, all sorts of things.
There was something for the daredevils too, this High Roller ride was set up in the car park and there were plenty of takers, though you wouldn't catch me on anything like that.
Ah, hook-a-duck, that's more my thing. I remember Daniel and Eleanor each winning a goldfish from the hook-a-duck at the Christmas lights event a very long time ago and they both lived for years. They grew and grew and we kept having to buy bigger and bigger tanks for them, they must have outgrown about four or five. I'm glad to see that the only creatures which could be won on this stall were of the fur and stuffing variety.
The thing we came to see, the light switch-on, happened at 7pm. They're not the best if I'm being honest, but they add a little cheer to the town and we could all do with a bit of that at the moment.
The night was rounded off with a brilliant firework display which went on for quite a while and thrilled the children. It was a lovely community event and I'm glad I went along.
Are there events in your community in the lead up to Christmas and will you be attending them?
what a lovely evening, there are a few Christmas markets near us so we may visit them but not a Christmas lights evening, well not that I ama ware of anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely evening. There will be quite a few events in the village this year. I'm looking forward to the carol singing. X
ReplyDeleteThese things usually take a lot of organising so it's good to give them some support especially when they bring back so many memories of the children. I always find I don't recognise anyone in the crowd, where do they all come from!
ReplyDeleteIt looks and sounds like you had a most enjoyable evening. xx
ReplyDeleteOh that looks like fun! And nothing says Christmas like a dance off between Santa and a mascot! Who won?
ReplyDeleteIt was a draw, though I think Santa was robbed!
DeleteLooks like fun, Jo. I wouldn't go on that High Roller thing either! Eeeek!
ReplyDeleteOur local lights go on this Friday, always a lovely evening.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good evening. These new style lights don't seem to have the same presence as the old style, but must be easier and cheaper for the Council to put up.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the evening. Our village lights switch on was on Saturday. I didn't get there this year but the Christmas tree will be lovely to see over the next few weeks and the festive street lights are always good to see.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Eleanor in her lead role of Sleeping Beauty.
I do enjoy community events like this and isn't it nice to see people out enjoying themselves.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing your photographs.
Will you be going along to watch Eleanor?
I wish her well in her lead role in Sleeping Beauty.
All the best Jan
Yes, we'll be going along to watch Eleanor. She's doing six shows so there's plenty of opportunity for everyone to go along.
DeleteOur village Christmas tree lights were switched on last week. Sadly, I haven't yet been to take any photos as it's either been wet or foggy!
ReplyDeleteWe were at an event like this on Saturday too, we had a stall for fundraising it was a good day and I was looking in the wrong direction when the lights were switched on so I missed it!
ReplyDeleteLovely Christmas cheer, very uplifting with all the current problems xcx
ReplyDeleteHow festive everything looks! Good luck to Eleanor. Snowbird.xxx
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