GLORIOUS weather on Saturday tempted shoppers and families to Colne for the Town Council’s Colne Christmas Lights Switch On Event and Festive Food Festival.
Cllr Ash Sutcliffe, Chairman of Colne Town Council’s Events Committee said: “It was busy during the day, but the night time broke all records – we had the biggest ever Torchlit Parade and completely filled the church, whilst the crowd in Hartley Square filled it and stretched back down Market Street. I’d like to thank our Events Team, especially our Co-ordinator, Naomi Crewe, and all who took part, including musicians and dancers, plus all those who attended and made it such a fun day.”
The Event proved a big hit with children, owing to face painter, Sophie at Beautiful You, who laboured all day in the Market Hall, the fun fair rides and donkey rides in Hartley Square and the Christmas Crafts in Colne Library. A traditional horse drawn landau gave rides around the town in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
There was music entertainment aplenty, with Tristesse James Acoustic singing in the Market Arcade, Lord Street Primary School, Darwen Brass, Pendle Jazz Men and Burnley Brass Band all performing under the Market Canopy. In addition, OakenHoof Clog Dancers drew large crowds in front of Colne Library.
Food and craft stalls drew shoppers and filled the Parliament Street Car Park with delicious aromas. In the Festive Shop Window Competition, First Prize was awarded to A White Room by Judge Kath Heywood, while second and third prizes went to Aura Hair & Beauty and No 62 respectively.
After the spectacular Torch Lit Parade, led by Father Christmas in his sleigh, switched on Colne’s Christmas Lights, the festivities culminated with a varied dance programme from Helen Green’s Dancers, followed by a selection of favourite carols performed by Pendle Youth Orchestra and Trawden Ladies Choir which was all topped off by a fabulous Firework Finale.
Cllr Sarah Cockburn-Price, Chairman of Colne Town Council, commented: “The Town Council has invested a considerable sum in upgrading and extending Colne’s Christmas Lights for 2017 and we have ambitious plans for an even bigger event next year to match them. Thank you to all those who have sent us compliments via Facebook and e-mail – this was greatly appreciated by the Team.”
