There are going to be some exciting additions for Burley in Wharfedale’s famous Christmas lights switch-on event this year which takes place with the annual Christmas market and craft fair all on Saturday, 30th November 2024.
The volunteers led by Tom Sumner have been putting up the light fixtures for the 43rd display since early October. This year there will be a brand new owl trail to complement the much-loved pair of owls next to the Pudding Tree Gardens. There are going to be ten new coloured owl lights to find all around the village, in amongst all the lights which now include Grange Park and go all the way up to the station.
Over the years many famous people have switched on the lights, this year the Christmas Lights will be turned on by Joe Moore from Liverpool, brother of boxer Billy Moore, at around 4.25pm. They are well known for their tremendous fundraising for respite facilities for people with special needs.
Burley Main Street will be closed from midday until 6.30pm and a diversion will be set up for traffic via Back Lane, Grange Road and Station Road. Parking restrictions will be in place along Station Road and Grange Road, and the bus route will be diverted along this route. It would be much appreciated if local residents could not park between the two mini-roundabouts and at the junction of Grange Road and Station Road.
Festivities start at 11.30am when the Methodist Church will open with an interactive journey through the love of songs and they will be serving refreshments. In the Salem church, there will be a Burley-Tereli Friendship Trust (Mali) display and refreshments will be served in the Church Hall from 2pm. The Queens Hall will open at 1pm and is the venue for a craft fair and the Guides tea and cakes, as well as a performance by the Unity Ukes. There will be lots of stalls selling a range of gifts, crafts, food, artwork and books. Entry is free.
At 2pm the Street Market will open on Main Street near the Grange. The Christmas Market this year has a range of artisan stalls from independent local crafters, as well as Moss and Moor with their gift hampers filled with locally sourced and ‘The best of Yorkshire’ produce. So you can start your Christmas shopping on Main Street with a Baileys Hot Chocolate, or whilst enjoying one of the many food offerings from Sachi’s, the Otley Burger Company or even a Hog Roast from The Red Lion. There will also be fairground rides in the park and plenty of mulled wine to enjoy from all the local establishments. Santa’s Sleigh will be available for visits from 3-5pm.
The Lights switch-on build-up starts at about 3pm with performances from the Burley Community Choir, the Ilkley Roses Choir, the Performance Drama School and the ever-popular combined Burley Oaks and Burley Woodhead schools choir. Canon Tim Swinglehurst will give us his Christmas thoughts at about 4pm.
Finally, Burley Cricket Club will open their doors at 4pm for an after-lights party with more entertainment, food and drinks.
The event is organised by Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust (BWCT) as part of its many events and activities, with funding help from the Parish Council.
A spokesperson for BWCT said:
"There are so many different volunteers who make this happen. Our trustees will be out and about with collection buckets, and collection tubs are also available in the shops and the businesses around the village. Please give generously towards this annual festive celebration to ensure that the tradition carries on. If you would like to find out more about the Trust or join as a member please visit our website at www.burleyinwharfedalecommunitytrust.org"
Flotilla Ilkley Summer 7s returns for a day of top class rugby
Moorfield school invites all to Turner Prize inspired Art Exhibition
Silsden gardeners get ready for Open Gardens Weekend
Solstice runners raise £25,000 for Sue Ryder
Community goes quackers for Burley-in-Wharfedale Duck Race
Amber heat warning issued for West Yorkshire
Ilkley town centre offices could be converted into accommodation
Bin crews to start earlier this week due to the heat
Local food and drink delights at Ilkley Cycle Races
Extra funding expected to deal with potholes
Ilkley Pride celebrates 5 years of inclusion, creativity, and community spirit
Still time to sign up for Solstice Saunter on Sunday
Ilkley gym member crowned British National Powerlifting Champion
Leeds Bradford Airport to launch weekly flights to Santorini
Addingham Gala Festival set to be 'Out of this World'
Review: The 4th Waterman Piano Recital
Ilkley Firefighters unite with Mountain Rescue for Wharfedale Three Peaks
Fusion Chocolate in Ilkley celebrates another award win
Bradford Council waste services 'letting residents down'
Seddon and Davison in Ilkley to close next month
