‘Shop Local’ is the message as Kirklees Council says: “Bye bye, Clickmas, hello Christmas!”

Kirklees Council has launched its 2021 Christmas campaign and is encouraging people to rediscover the magic of Christmas by spending money in towns and villages across the district.

The campaign, which features local businesses from across Kirklees, showcases some of the unique retail, dining and leisure on offer during the festive season, and all year round.

A series of films, featuring local residents and businesses, will be released in the run up to Christmas in the hopes of inspiring some festive cheer and encouraging everyone to shop local.

Some of the businesses taking part include: Read book shop in Holmfirth; Imagine toy shop in Holmfirth; Guild Jewellers in Huddersfield; The Independent Quarter in Huddersfield; and Rain bar, Huddersfield.

Honley Christmas lights switch-on 2021. Pictures by: Allison Maclean and Sean Doyle

Christmas lights are being switched on in town and villages centres across Kirklees over the next three weeks – and Honley has stolen a march switching on its festive show on Saturday.

READ MORE: The dates and times when Christmas lights will be switched on across Huddersfield

Clr Eric Firth, Cabinet member for town centres said: “There were lots of things missing from the Christmas festivities last year that perhaps took the shine off the usual fun people have at this time of year. This year, all of those things are back.

“As our Christmas messaging says, it is difficult to get that magic feeling whilst online shopping so, for those that can, we want to encourage residents and visitors to visit our shops, restaurants, bars, parks and everything else we have to offer in Kirklees.

“I would remind people to be kind to each other so that everyone can safely enjoy some festive fun.”