Nelson has its biggest ever Lancashire Day & Christmas Lights Switch on 2018

Published: 25 November 2018

The Town Council held its annual Lancashire day and Christmas Lights Switch on Saturday 24th November 2018 with thousands of residents from Nelson and Pendle taking part throughout the day. Britain’s Got Talent stars Ella Shaw and Mr Zip were among the headlines acts which saw Amy Jo Clough, Owen Halt and Emily Atkinson performing on the 2BR stage -the music entertainment ran from 11.00am right through to 6.00pm. The event was officially opened by the Mayor of Pendle and Town Crier Elizabeth Mowe at 11.00am. This followed a performance from the Oakenhoof Folks Arts Clog Morris Dancers who also gave another performance in the afternoon.

This year’s event attracted over 1,500 people throughout the day. The town council is also marking its 10-year anniversary year so personalised Town Council key rings and pens were given out to the public with the traditional Lancashire red rose to celebrate the occasion. Other Acts on the 2BR stage included the Biscuit Brothers, Bridle City Lights and Crash (Don’t Slow Down). There was a variety of food stalls to cater for all including Booths offering traditional Lancashire fine produce. The event was very diverse with members of all communities taking part in a family environment. Family entertainment included free fairground rides for the kids along with Punch and Judy and Balloon Modelling. The ice-skating rink erected outside the Library was a massive hit with the public alongside the snow globe attraction which gave away over 400 free photo keyrings. A special guest in the form of a Snowman Walkabout character joined in the festivities from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.

 The focus then turned towards the Christmas Lights switch on with headline acts Ella Shaw and Mr Zip along with the Town Clerk and local councillors on stage. The Town Council Chairman, Councillor Zafar Ali lead the vote of thanks and lights countdown which took place at 6.00pm with a fireworks finale.

This was the first year that a fireworks display was arranged which attracted massive crowds at the switch on.
Positive comments were received from members of the public who commented on the variety of entertainment and jam-packed agenda that was scheduled on the day and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Comments from the Chairman: This year is the Town Council's 10th anniversary and we wanted to put on something bigger and better- as a Town Council we love marking Lancashire Day with our Christmas lights switch on. The Town Council definitely beat its own expectations and the hard work of everyone involved
paid off. I met residents, young and old, and very happy stall holders who sold out of stock early- they were all full of praise for this event being soo inclusive and diverse. Last year we increased our Christmas lights budget and we have plans to do more going forward.