TOWNGATE in Guiseley was a bustling throng on Sunday afternoon as local residents turned out in their hundreds for the annual Christmas lights switch on, market and funfair.
The weather was thankfully kind as Storm Bert battered many parts of the country but seemed to skirt Guiseley.
Former Pudsey MP (now MP for Daventry) and still local resident and founder of the now annual event, Stuart Andrew, returned to compere the event in style.
The volunteer Guiseley Lights Team, as always, had put a tremendous amount of work installing the lights and organising the event and they are to be applauded for their hard work.
Judging by the screams and laughter coming from the direction of the lower part of The Green the funfair rides were a big hit with children and their families. Local traders and societies were busy selling their wares and The Red Lion and The New Inn looked to be doing a roaring trade.
The main stage was managed and run by West Yorkshire PA Hire with Marty, Sarah and Darren Bishop running the sound and lighting.
There were excellent singing performances by local dance and drama schools West Yorkshire School of Performing Arts, Starlight Academy and Music Box Inspiring Voices. The age range of the performers ranged from four years to teenagers and for some it was their first time on stage performing.
The music continued with acapella group Rhapsody singing beautifully and finally the musical genre changed to rock with covers band Pink Rebellion closing the show before the lights switch on countdown.
For the light switch on Stuart Andrew introduced Father David Pickett who would press the button and he was assisted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse from AVSED, a local charity working to prevent social isolation and loneliness for Aireborough seniors.
Stuart led a noisy countdown to the switch on and after the button was pressed a fabulous firework display followed.
As the crowds dissipated after the fireworks the Lights Team sprung into action once again to clear Towngate and get traffic running again. Once again the local community should be very grateful to this hard working group of volunteers.
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