TAMESIDE’S towns are preparing to sparkle this Christmas with a packed programme of festive celebrations.
There will be plenty of opportunities for residents to get into the festive spirit – from traditional Christmas stalls and live entertainment to colourful parades and the all-important switching on of the lights.
The celebrations kick off in Ashton-under-Lyne with the popular Northern Lights Lantern Parade on Saturday, November 14, before the Christmas festivities travel across Tameside throughout November and into December.
Dukinfield will be next to welcome the festive season, with an event at Dukinfield Town Hall on Thursday, November 19, running from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and featuring the lights switch-on at 6.30pm.
Stalybridge will follow on Friday, November 20, with festivities in Armentieres Square from 5pm to 9pm and the Christmas lights will be switched on at 7pm.
The celebrations continue in Denton on Saturday, November 21, when Jubilee Square will host an afternoon of festive fun from midday until 6pm, with the lights switched on at 5pm.
Audenshaw residents can enjoy their own Christmas celebration at Ryecroft Hall on Friday, November 27, between 4pm and 8pm, with the switch-on taking place at 7.30pm.
The following day, Droylsden will welcome the festive season to Villemomble Square, with an event running from 3pm to 6pm and its lights switched on at 5pm.
December will see the celebrations continue in Hattersley and Mossley on Friday, December 4.
Hattersley Hub will host an event from 4pm to 8pm, with its Christmas lights switched on at 6pm, while Mossley Central’s celebrations will take place at George Lawton Hall and the Marketplace, with the switch-on scheduled for 7pm.
The festive programme will draw to a close on Saturday, December 5, with celebrations in Micklehurst and Hyde.
Micklehurst’s event will run from 4.30pm to 7pm, centred around Mossley Youth Base and the Christmas tree at the junction of Staley Road and Station Road, with the lights switched on at 5.30pm.
Meanwhile, Hyde’s market ground will host the town’s festivities from 3pm to 6.30pm, also culminating in a 5.30pm switch-on.
With festive entertainment, community spirit and plenty of Christmas sparkle, residents across Tameside have plenty of dates to put in their diaries as the countdown to Christmas gets under way.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Councillor Leanne Feeley, said: “I’m looking forward to another winter of festive celebrations across Tameside. These events do a fantastic job of bringing residents and communities together, fostering pride in our towns and creating opportunities to celebrate everything that makes them special.
“Many of these events are led by dedicated local volunteers, community groups and town centre organisations, and we’re proud to support them in bringing festive cheer to our communities. I’d like to thank everyone involved in organising these celebrations, as well as residents and visitors who come along to enjoy them.
“By attending these events, people are also helping to support our local town centres and businesses at a vital time of year. There’s always something for everyone to enjoy, so save the dates and join us at one of the events.”