by Peter Allison
With Christmas on the horizon, Farnley Community Centre is preparing for a busy and exciting run of festive events.
Volunteers, residents and centre organisers — including Chair & Trustee Peter Allison — have been working together to expand what’s on offer this year, with a focus on activities shaped by the community itself.
Wreath Making Night – Thursday 27 November, 7pm–9pm
The celebrations begin with the centre’s first-ever Wreath Making Evening, an event supported by the centre’s leadership team as part of their push for more resident-led activities.
The evening includes festive treats and warm drinks, and reflects the centre’s growing emphasis on “for your community, by your community.”
Tickets (£15.50) are available here.
Farnley’s First Christmas Light Switch-On – Friday 5 December
A significant moment for the area comes the following week: Farnley’s first-ever Christmas Light Switch-On. While modest in scale, it marks progress for the community and lays the groundwork for what organisers hope will become a cherished annual tradition.
To mark the occasion, the Community Centre is hosting an outdoor festive market, inviting local vendors, makers and small businesses to get involved.
The event starts at 4pm, with the lights being switched on at 5pm.
Visitors can look forward to:
– Live music
– Lawns Park Primary School Choir
– A festive market
– Food and refreshments
– A visit from Santa in his sleigh, available for family photograph.
Santa Sleigh Tour – Returning for its fifth year
One of the area’s most popular festive traditions, the Farnley & Wortley Santa Sleigh Tour, returns this December. Now in its fifth year, the event has become a highlight for families across the ward.
Peter Allison, who coordinates the event, says it remains a big undertaking for the volunteer team, but one that brings huge enjoyment to the community: “It’s always one of the busiest weeks of the year for us, but seeing how much it means to local families makes it all worthwhile.”
– Wortley Tour – Thursday 18 December
This year’s route includes a new stop at Western Flatts Park, aligning with their Christmas Carol Event following local requests.
– Farnley Tour – Friday 19 December
Volunteers will continue to cover as much of Farnley as possible, expanding the route where they can.
Santa’s Grotto & New SEN Session – Saturday 20 December
Festivities conclude with the Annual Santa’s Grotto at Farnley Community Centre. Based on feedback from families, this year will include a new SEN-friendly session from 10.30am to 12pm, offering a calmer and more accessible experience for children who require it.
The general Grotto session will run later in the day, starting at 12.30pm.
For more events, groups and services from Farnley and across West Leeds, check out WLD’s what’s on listings.
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