People in Elland are invited to take part in celebrations for an exciting Christmas Festival, marking 700 years since Elland was awarded a Royal Charter.
Events have been taking place all year for this important anniversary and Christmas brings with it a special event on Friday 8 December, combining the traditional Elland Christmas Lights Switch-On with a town centre market and a Lamplighter parade, put together by Calderdale based arts group, Handmade Parade.
In the run up to the parade, people are invited to take part in free workshops to create a lantern and then have the opportunity to participate in the event.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“It’s been brilliant to see communities coming together at events this year to celebrate Elland’s proud history and exciting future – 700 years on from the town’s Royal Charter.
“The Lamplighter parade, together with a festive market and Christmas light switch-on, will round off a brilliant year and I’m sure people will have a great time taking part in the workshops and the parade.”
Handmade Parade brings artists and communities together to create parades, festivals and stunning celebrations. They have a fantastic team of professional carnival artists, puppeteers, musicians, stilt walkers and performers.
Workshops are taking place at Croft House Community Room, on Crown Street in Elland on Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December from 11am-1pm and 2.30-4.30pm.
No experience is needed to make a lantern, as artists from Handmade Parade will be on hand to help out. Everyone is welcome – from complete beginners to more experienced artists who would like to expand their skills.
The event has been funded by the Elland Development Board and Calderdale Council’s Events & Festivals Fund. As well as the parade and lights switch-on, the day will also feature performances from local schools from 2.30pm, a Christmas market including Santa’s grotto and the prize draw for the ongoing Christmas Loyalty Card scheme, encouraging people to support local businesses. The draw will take place at 5pm, with the parade beginning at 6pm.