Brierfield Xmas lights switch-on draws biggest ever crowd

Brierfield Lights event in the Community Centre (S)

And despite the poor weather on Friday evening, lots of people went along and enjoyed the entertainment as well as the lights launch.

Outside the town hall the Mayor of Brierfield, Coun. Rizwan Asghar, opened the lights around the centre.

Organiser Coun. Mohammad Hanif said: “It was fantastic. It was pouring down so we moved all the events into the Brierfield Community Centre but we did have the switch-on outside.

A police officer, Father Christmas, the Mayor, Coun. Rizwan Asghar, Coun. Mohammad Hanif and his granddaughter Ayesha Arif (3)

“There were 250 or more people there and it was a good mix of the communities. There were people from both Brierfield and Reedley, but also from outside there in Nelson and Colne. They all had a good time. People came along to celebrate the festive season.

“One lady came all the way from Ulverston in Cumbria for the switch-on. Janet Woodhead was originally from Brierfield.”

And he said: “It was the largest turn-out we ever had there.”

There was lots of entertainment inside the community centre, featuring band playing, Punch and Judy, Santa Claus, a magic show and balloons as well as the switch-on. There was also tea and coffee served at the youth centre next to the town hall.

Coun. Hanif was grateful for support and said: “Thank you to the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for coming along with a fire engine for kids to play on. And thanks to Family Tree Children’s Centre staff as well for face-painting!”