Bright Friday to shed light on festivities

Knaresborough's Christmas tree lights switch-on event will take place on Friday November 25 and the town is taking a theme to combat the worst consumerism of Black Friday.
Knaresborough Christmas decorationsKnaresborough Christmas decorations
Knaresborough Christmas decorations

To celebrate the community, support local businesses and reflect the true meaning of Christmas the town’s festive lights switch on has been labelled Bright Friday.

Coun Hannah Gostlow who is helping to organise the switch on said: “We wanted to create an event that was an antidote to the negative aspects of Black Friday.

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“We want people to come to Knaresborough and get involved with the Christmas spirit.”

And new to the tree lights switch on is a Lantern Parade, consisting of schoolchildren and youngsters from community groups, which will start at the war memorial at the castle and will progress to the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

As well as the parade there will be Santa and his sleigh, Knaresborough silver band, dance performances by Studio 3 and carol singing by Knaresborough Choral Society.

There will be mulled wine and shops will stay open on the evening for Christmas shopping and there will be food stalls.

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Steve Teggin from Knaresborough Chamber said: “We are delighted the event is taking place a week earlier than usual this year to bring the festivities to Knaresborough around the same time they start in other towns.

“I am pleased so many of our members will be opening so residents and visitors can see what their businesses have to offer.”

Local community, church and nursery groups will be holding lantern making workshops for children in the parade.

“The image of light has always been a very powerful one for the Christian Church and the lantern procession is a wonderful way for the town to reflect on the light of hope and love and joy which we celebrate at Christmas,” said Rev Gail Hunt of Gracious Street Methodist Church.

“The light of Christ shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out.

The actual turning on of the Christmas tree lights is scheduled for 6.30pm.

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