Slaithwaite sure knows how to do a stylish Christmas lights switch on with a fun-packed day of events leading up to the big moment the village is lit up.
People are urged to start gathering around the tree opposite the Shoulder of Mutton pub from 4pm this Saturday, December 2, for carol singing accompanied by Slaithwaite Brass Band and topped off with fireworks from Huddersfield-based Standard and Black Cat.
After the lights go on shortly before 5pm follow Santa back to Slaithwaite Fire Station for a meet and greet while listening to singing firefighter Jon Arey and the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band. This after party will also feature mulled wine, hot dogs, cakes and mince pies along with real ale from Slaithwaite’s Empire Brewery.
But the fun starts in Slaithwaite from 11am on Saturday and here are highlights from the line-up.
There is a Christmas market at Globe Arts from 11am to 5pm with another market at the Northern Sole café and a brass band there from 3pm.
Waves day centre is next door to The Handmade Bakery beside Huddersfield Narrow Canal and its members have been busy making hand crafted gifts.
These, along with wrapped treats and hot drinks, will be on sale from 10am to 3pm with everything going to its Making Waves charity which supports the pioneering centre’s outstanding care for people with learning disabilities and/or physical difficulties. This will be cash only.
A Christmas Tree Festival at St James’ Church is open from 11am to 6pm and will feature Christmas craft stalls with music from Slaithwaite Brass Band.
The Clay Mill community potters and mill workshop at Britannia Mills will have an open afternoon from 2pm to 5pm and a pottery sale will raise money for Colne Valley Help which is based at Slaithwaite Fire Station. It runs two food share schemes – one in Slaithwaite and the other in Longwood – where people can turn up to collect essentials such as food or toiletries that have been donated or are surplus supermarket stock. More information on its website https://colnevalleyhelp.org.uk/
There will also be Christmas crazy golf throughout the village between 11am and 4pm. Many of Slaithwaite’s shops will be staying open late and it’s Small Business Saturday too.
Organiser Richard Izzard said: “There has never been a more important time to support local shopping so please come along, enjoy all the entertainments and explore the brilliant independent shops we have in Slaithwaite.
“Thanks also to all the volunteers who have helped to put the lights up, tested them and will be stewards on the day. It’s been a great community effort once again.”
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting.
