Day of festive fun planned for Christmas lights switch on in Whaley Bridge

The jam packed programme for Saturday November, 26 will get people in the festive spirit as they prepare for Christmas.

The regular FAB market will be taking place in the Canal Basin between 11am and 5pm while there will also be a market in the Mechanics Institute from 3pm where Santa will also be in his grotto. The lantern parade will start at 5pm before a carol concert at 5.30pm following by the big switch on at 6pm in the station car park.

Jaine Wright, the secretary of the Friends of Memorial Park, is once again organising the lantern parade through the park.

She said: “We have been doing a parade since 2015 – only stopping in 2020.

"Over the years it has grown and it’s great to see the community coming together.

“There is something very magical about seeing hundreds of people walk through the park with their lanterns held high and lighting up the darkness.”

This year everyone will be making star lanterns for the procession which is being led by Churches Together Whaley Bridge.

And as well as the lanterns there will also be fairy lights in some of the trees and some projections too.

Jaine said: “The park has no electricity or lights so a lot of people don’t experience the park after dark.

“It’s great seeing the little ones faces light up when they see everyone together.”

The parade will start at the Goyt Road entrance of the Memorial Park going towards the station car park. Whaley Bridge Band will then lead the carol concert at 5.30pm and at 6pm the lights on the Christmas tree will be switched on.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. – Louise Cooper, editor.