Leigh Lights Latest!!

September 22, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

Leigh Town Council’s annual Night of the Lights celebration is set for Friday 28^th November and what a night it should be as following last year’s successful parade with 30 entrants and nearly 400 people taking part, the Yuletide Parade will now be THE main feature.  This year the decision has been made to start the procession from Kings Road at 6.30 p.m. so it can travel along ALL of Leigh Road, Broadway and Broadway West.  This will give ample viewing opportunities and allow for an even better showcase this year. To add to this, the Christmas Lights will be extended along Leigh Road so traders there can join fully in this festive occasion.

After consultation with traders following last year’s event, Leigh Town Council have made the decision not to organise any external commercial traders.  Instead there will be a Charity Market Place in Elm Road and a Really Homemade Christmas Craft Fayre in Leigh Community Centre, along with childrens’ pre-parade fun time. Convenor of the event, Cllr Pat Holden said ‘the lack of commercial external traders will not be detrimental to the enjoyment this year as we know traders wish to organise their own features, attractions and entertainment and feel more involved in this community event.  We listened to all their views and additionally have arranged for the road closure not to be enforced until 5 p.m. 

Other features of the night will include the traditional Festive Fairground in the car park behind The Grand, courtesy of CS Parking and our Christmas Triangle of decorated trees in Rectory Grove, Broadway West and Elm Road.

Events Officer, Helen Symmons hopes the new changes will achieve the best balance possible in providing a community event which will be enticing to residents and visitors and benefit many traders.

The other change to the evening is that the lights will be on as people arrive, which means the Christmas atmosphere starts early! Leigh Lights will kick off Leigh Town Council’s Festive Season which will continue with Small Business Saturday on December 6^th, Carols on Strand Wharf Saturday 13^th December and then culminating in the community Panto the following weekend.  An exciting time for Leigh residents and traders.

More to come soon on Leigh Lights - your favourite local community event!