Richard Baum

Last night’s Christmas Lights switch on in Prestwich was a success. I joined the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Peter Ashworth, the Mayoress, the Chair of Prestwich Local Area Partnership, Cllr Vic D’Albert and Santa Claus himself at the switch-on, which illuminated our festive tree in the Longfield Centre.

It ain’t Vegas, but it’s a nice festive spectacle, and I bet it looks lovely this morning in the snow. Which may well have fused the lights.

Thanks to the many local people who turned out to give support to the occasion in the freezing cold. And also to the performers, several of whom were dancing in the types of clothes that were downright dangerous in sub-zero conditions! It’s always nice to see the Besses o’ th’ Barn Band as well, who played early on the evening.

I hope everyone enjoyed the fun, and gets the chance to come down and see the tree, and the new Ego restaurant and Costa Coffee which have opened nearby to give the centre of Prestwich a Christmas boost!

Rick