Buxton's winter parade lights up town

Buxton's first WInter parade organised with the Town Team and Buxton Sparkles. Photo Roger Beverley.

The community has come together to decorate the town and on Saturday Buxton Sparkles lit the way through streets as part of the Town Team’s campaign to put everyone in seasonal spirits.

Railings and lampposts have been festooned with decorations and some imaginative thinking saw plastic milk bottles turn into flying doves and red ribbons made the town look like one big Christmas present.

Andrea Lewis, of Buxton Sparkles, said: “We were delighted that so many people turned up, with so many of them dressing up in something sparkly or in pirate costume.

Buxton's first WInter parade organised with the Town Team and Buxton Sparkles.

“It made the whole thing more magical. It was just great team work between the Town Team, Buxton Sparkles and all the organisations which took part. We hope even more people will come along next year.”

Free pirate hats encouraged 450 people to join in with the Peter Pan theme as the Parade processed along Spring Gardens, across Terrace Road, up the Slopes, over the Market Place and down Fountain Street to the Pavilion Gardens, stopping on the way to sing seasonal songs.

Buxton Sparkles provided willow lanterns and tea lights to light up the route.

The Parade was led Buxton Musical Society’s Andy Parker, who also led the singing, with Town Crier Bill Weston OBE in fine voice as well.

Director of the Town Team Tina Heathcote putting the finishing touches to one of teh town's Christmas trees

County Councillor Tony Kemp, who supported the event through his council community fund, welcomed everyone to the celebrations.

There was also a special Christmas Market organised by the Buxton Markets Company on the Market Place, with a variety of food and drink, a children’s ride and other entertainment.

In the Gardens there were illuminated sculptures, paddlers on the lake and more food and drink.

And there is still time to take part. Town Team Chairman Roddie Maclean, thanked everyone in Buxton who helped to make the event such a success.

He said “It’s not too late to decorate. It could be a lamp post, hedge or tree near to where you meet or your premises.”

“We are suggesting low, or no, cost decorations and give lots of ideas of stunning things to make.”

All decorations should be taken down by Saturday, January 7.

For more information on Adopt a Plot visit buxtontownteam.org.