Lantern Parade and Switch On of Christmas Tree lights

Friday, 27 November 2009

Hundreds of people thronged slowly down Bridge Gate yesterday evening with lanterns, accompanied by a rousing Samba band. In the Square, the Lantern Parade was by joined hundreds more who had gathered for the Switch On of the Christmas Tree lights. Young and old had attended workshops over the past week or so to make their own handmade lanterns.

The rain held off to make a fine evening - artificial snow was pumped into the air along Bridge Gate by shop and pub owners.

During the switch on ceremony the Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, Councillor John Beacroft-Mitchell was presented with cheques towards the cost of the new Christmas lights for £2,500 from the Rotary Club and the Business Association.

On the countdown the Mayor, Councillor John Beacroft-Mitchell switched on the Tree lights accompanied by a cheer from the crowd.

In a press release, Hebden Royd Town Council paid thanks to the Hebden Bridge Band and Hebden Bridge Junior Band for leading the carol singing once again in the Square.

More photos - gallery of 15 large photos

YouTube video of the parade from Jason Elliot

YouTube video of the parade from
Fran Robinson of the Mytholmroyd Net