Lights switch on sets the scene for Clitheroe's festive countdown

An enjoyable and memorable festive bonanza is in store for Clitheroe folk with treats and events in the run up to Christmas.
Ella ShawElla Shaw
Ella Shaw

The seasonal celebrations will begin on Saturday when talented Langho songstress Ella Shaw, who wowed music mogul Simon Cowell during last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, is to open Northern Star, Clitheroe’s festive extravaganza.

Ella will perform with the Grand Choir, before opening the month-long celebration and switching on the Christmas lights at 4pm at Clitheroe Market, although live entertainment and attractions will begin from 11 am on Saturday. Some of the finest artisan food and craft makers in the North West, including jewellery, ceramics and textiles, are taking part in Northern Star, which runs at Clitheroe Market on four consecutive Saturdays from November 26th and the Platform Gallery from October 22nd to January 7th.

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Clitheroe Town Council’s annual crib dedication service will take place on Tuesday, November 29th, at 2pm at the Castle Gates. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Andrew Froud and the carol singing will be led by the children from St Michael and St John’s RC Primary School. The service will be attended by the Town Mayor, Coun. Mark French.

Thursday, December 1st, sees the village of Whalley celebrate 28 years of its annual Pickwick Night festivities. Between 6 and 9pm, the village has a Dickens of a good time as it soaks up the sights and sounds of a Victorian Christmas. For this year only the event will be located to a different place within the village. The car parks at the Whalley Arms and The Swan Hotel will both be used to host the event, including indoor trading at Whalley Village Hall. There will also be attractions held at Whalley Parish Church, Whalley Old Grammar School, Whalley Methodist Church and Whalley Primary School.

On Saturday, December 3rd, Clitheroe Chamber of Trade and Commerce will stage its Christmas Festival. The eagerly-awaited event will begin with Father Christmas arriving by train before greeting children in his seasonal grotto at the Reformed Church, in Moor Lane. With stalls throughout the town manned by local Brownie packs, Clitheroe Lions, Baker Girl, Sweet Designs, Dough Pizza Company and Bonnie’s Bits and Bobs, there will be plenty for everyone to see and do.

Meanwhile, a deserving charity is calling all Santas, reindeers, elves, fairies and even Christmas puddings – in their best festive fancy dress - for Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s inaugural Clitheroe Santa Dash/Stroll on Saturday, December 10th, at 10am. Over the last 12 months, Rosemere has given East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust £160,000 to spend on improving cancer services and treatments. To help it continue such work next year, it now wants Ribble Valley families, work colleagues, groups of friends, club members and individuals to take part in its first ever local Santa dash/stroll, which already has the support of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s Up and Active team. The date of the dash/stroll has been chosen to coincide with Clitheroe Market’s annual Christmas charity spectacular, which will once again also be supporting Rosemere.

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To enter, go to www.rosemere.org.uk or email [email protected]. Alternatively, phone 01772 522913 or just turn up on the day. There is a £5 entry fee for adults, but accompanied children under 16 can take part for free.

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