Festive lights switch-on fun

Festive lights are valued by local communities, encourage people to shop in the borough’s towns, boost visitor numbers and give Calderdale a wonderfully seasonal feel from the moment they are switched on.

The first Christmas light switch on of the season will be in Hebden Bridge at 5pm on Friday, November 20, in St George’s Square.

This will be followed by the switch on in Mytholmroyd on Saturday, November 21, as part of the Royd Regeneration Christmas Market from noon-5.30pm in St Michael’s Church Hall and square. Ripponden’s switch on takes place in the village centre on Thursday November 26.

The Todmorden switch on will take place as part of the Lamplighter festival on Saturday, November 28.

Brighouse’s switch on will happen as part of the town’s Victorian Christmas Market, also on Saturday, November 28.

Steven Lord of the Harrison Lord Gallery who helped organise the event said: “This year we have visitors coming from Europe as well as all the UK. It really makes Christmas feel special as the whole town turns the clock back to Victorian times and it’s a great free family day out with lots to entertain the children whilst mum and dad can enjoy the Christmas market.”

The Christmas light switch on in Halifax will also take place on this date, from 2pm until 6pm on Russell Street in the town centre. The lights will be turned on at 4.30pm and will be followed by fireworks.

The event will feature live entertainment, Neil Hurst from the Victoria Theatre Pantomime and Danny and Rosie from the Pulse 1 Breakfast Show, as well as the stage headline act, Tom Bleasby from the X Factor.

Sowerby Bridge will also be hosting the Totally Locally Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6, from 9am-3pm, where there will be an appearance by Father Christmas and his Reindeer - and even a sprinkling of snow.