Let there be lights!

MEET the Gradys . . . (from left) Aime, Jenny, Andrew and Natalie in Royton

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FAMILIES across Oldham were determined not to let the bad weather dampen their spirits as they watched Christmas lights being switched on.

Gale force winds and torrential rain battered the borough yesterday but the atmosphere was only slightly subdued as lights at Oasis Academy were switched on automatically, rather than by Spiderman and Belle.

But the two characters kept children entertained inside the school with singing and dancing. Hollinwood market stalls were open as usual with homemade Christmas goods on offer.

Organiser Sarah Furbey said: “We’re disappointed we couldn’t switch on the lights outside and couldn’t have the caroling. But the children still had a good time dancing with the characters. We still had a good turnout.”

In Shaw, Market Street was packed on Friday evening as children lined up to see Frozen’s Elsa, and Snow White. Crowds were entertained by music from Wardle Anderson Brass and Scottish Pipe bands.

The lights were switched on by eight year old Erin from East Crompton St George’s School, who won a competition earlier this year to switch on the lights.

Councillor Diane Williamson said: “The weather didn’t dampen people’s spirits here. It was absolutely heaving. It went down really well. I can’t thank everyone enough for coming along.

The Christmas lights at Chadderton had to be switched on from inside the town hall on Middleton Road due to bad weather. But families still turned out to enjoy themselves. Father Christmas himself was the special guest at the Grotton switch-on.