Chorley has had a day of festive fun today, Sunday, as hundreds crowded in the town centre to watch the annual Christmas lights switch-on event.
The highly anticipated event featured star-studded guests such as Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Shayne Lynch, former Westlife singer Brian McFadden, Chorley FC players, MP Sir Lindsey Hoyle.
The mayor and mayoress of Chorley, Gordon and Margaret France, and Cllr Alistair Bradley were also present.
They were joined by Victor Magpie, the mascot for Chorley FC.
The day’s entertainment featured live acts by artists from Inspire Youth Zone, Red Rosettes Show Chorus, DLN Dance, James B Partridge, local singer Lauren Wood and Young Elton, an Elton John tribute act.
Guests counted down from 10 to announce the grand switch-on at 5pm, which included a festively decorated Christmas tree, colour changing festive lights and string lights across the town centre.
Addressing the cheering crowd, McFadden spoke about his recent involvement with Chorley FC football club.
He said: “I’ve loved it, it’s been fantastic, coming down to the club and meeting all the people.
“It’s like the boys, we always say, we grew up in quite a similar place in Ireland and for us now Chorley feels like our home away from home.
“There’s an amazing community here, great people and we’re very honoured to be just a little part of this whole thing.
“The club is ruled brilliantly, all the staff and everyone at the grounds.
"And the team are flying this year so fingers crossed we can go up this year – or even a little trip to Wembley would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
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He was joined by Duffy, who joked with the audience about what Christmas meant to him:
He said: “To me Christmas is all about family, and of course, getting under the mistletoe.
“Everyone loves a snog don’t they, does anyone fancy a snog tonight?”
Among the crowd were Chorley goalkeeper Matthew Urwin and his teammate Joe Nolan, who stopped to chat and take pictures with fans.
The event, which ran from 10am to 6pm, also featured the Totally Locally Christmas Market in the town centre featuring dozens of independent traders, children’s rides and even the opportunity to meet Santa and his Christmas elves.
An array of food stalls were available, including delicious Yorkshire pudding wraps, freshly made doughnuts and waffle pops and fragrant mulled wine.
Among the festive stall holders were Mark and Laura Bell, whose Pagan and Viking themed store, “Bellboy Blacksmith” was proving a hit among punters.
Mark said: “It’s been a great night, really special for Chorley and it’s been great to see so many people turn up to celebrate the switch-on.
“We sell lots of trinkets, including genuine ox horns, things that are different and make a special gift. I began the business to start blacksmithing on the side.
“It’s been very wet and cold but fun, we’ll be back next year!”
While Laura and Mark only travelled from Chorley, other stallholders had ventured from Manchester to join in on the festivities.
Selling lights to visitors were Samu Clujanu, Tzanca and Elisei Bombardieru.
Elisei said: “It has been very good to see so many people out tonight, we like the people of Chorley as they are very respectful.
"We wanted to come tonight to show our support for the Chorley community – it’s been a special evening.
“We can’t wait to return to next year’s Christmas light switch-on.”
Also attending the community event was the award-winning volunteer group Chorley’s Angels first-aid, first-aid trained volunteers who were present to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Gail Forrest, one of the team’s highly trained experts in first aid, said: “We’re here tonight as part of the support for Chorley Council.
Chorley’s annual “Winter Wonderland” will also return next month from December 14 until January 5, featuring an ice rink, market stalls, festive tipis and children’s fairground rides.
Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk
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