On Sunday 27 November 2011, Whitworth’s Christmas Lights will be officially switched on.

Members of the public are encouraged to come to the Civic Hall (The Riverside) from 5.30pm. The proceedings start at 6pm in the hall, when the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band will play a selection of festive tunes, and there may even be an appearance from a certain 'man in a red suit'!

Then everyone will gather outside the hall to see the lights officially switched on by the Mayors of Whitworth and Rossendale, and Rossendale’s Mini-Mayor, Whitworth’s own Carl Ashworth, with the help of the lucky winners of the Town Council’s schools colouring competition.

The Riverside will be serving a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie for £1 for the adults, with kid’s refreshments also available. Father Christmas will be issuing sweets to the children, 2012 Whitworth calendars will be on sale and ducks will be available to sponsor for the New Year’s Day Duck Race, and Les and Renate from Real Event Photos will be on hand to take festive family portraits.

The evening is expected to draw to a natural close around 7.00pm. Entry to this event is free, and all are welcome.

For more details, contact Karen Douglas, Town Clerk at Whitworth Town Council, on 01706 852018 / email: info@whitworth.gov.uk or phone the Riverside direct on 01706 854130.