Estimates of between 8,000 to 15,000 people descended on Farsley for the annual Christmas Lights switch-on last night (Wednesday).
Lead organiser John Procter said he’d ‘never seen so many people’ in Farsley and thanked everyone for their support and a successful event which saw a parade wind its way through the village centre, a mini farmers’ market, fireworks and the big switch on itself.
Posting on social media, Mr Procter said: “As the lead organiser for Farsley Lights Switch On along with my colleagues Councillor Andrew Carter and Graham Payne can I say thank you for supporting this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On. It is getting harder for us, but we will continue to help with the community events.
“I have never seen so many people in Farsley. There are various estimates of how many thousands were there tonight – between 8,000 and 15,000.
“We could not have achieved this without a lot of support and encouragement from our wonderful community.”
Mr Procter thanked people who contributed to a crowdfunding appeal which raised £1,500 to help pay for the event in the face of a shortfall in funding, and to Farsley businesses who also contributed.
He added: “Thank you to Farsley Fire and Smoke who stepped in to provide a Santa Sleigh for us, to the various schools, uniformed organisations, “Mary and Joseph”, nurseries and Santa from The Rotary Club of Calverley who joined the parade to make it an enjoyable evening. Also thanks to the stewards who offered up their time with the parade and to The Leeds Pipe Band who led our parade as usual.
“Thank you to Breeze and The Farsley Village Singers for providing entertainment and for all the shops and businesses who decorated their windows to give that true Christmas cheer. We will announce the winner shortly.
“I trust that you enjoyed this year’s firework display, I thought they were tremendous once again. As usual Gough & Kelly Security did an excellent job with road closures and security in the parade and great to work with them again
“Thank you to residents for their understanding with the road closures and why we had to start to close them from 5pm.”
