The Rock Bury stages its Christmas lights switch-on

The people of Bury were given a show this evening, Saturday, as The Rock Shopping Centre held its annual Christmas lights switch-on. 

Crowds gathered at the shopping centre for an evening of music, fun and games. 

Multiple performers took to the stage to charm the throngs, including Bury Music Service, Carol Godby’s Theatre Workshop, Liv’s Trust and Secret Garden – Hoyles Park. 

Christmas tree (Image: Newsquest) Other entertainment was also available, including children's rides. 

Four local heroes also took to the stage to switch the lights on after a big countdown, alongside Father Christmas and the shopping centre's mascot, Rocky. 

Gill Smith, the founder of Radcliffe Litter Pickers, headteacher at Tottington High School, David Yates, as well as Jennifer Hindle and Jennifer Heywood of Topping Fold Community Centre, were given the honour. 

Read more: Woman takes over deli shop - just a year and a half after opening cafe

Read more: Bury FC CEO resigns after turbulent day off the pitch for club

Read more: Reminder of all the Remembrance Sunday services across Bury

The stage (Image: Newsquest) Gill said: "It was really good, it was lovely. It was an honour to be asked to do it, I was told we were picked from 500 nominations. 

"It's nice to represent the volunteering community in Radcliffe, as I was nominated for my role with the litter pickers but also for Growing Together Radcliffe, which is the umbrella organisation for all the community groups. 

"It was nice, especially all the children - I work with Liv's Trust, she has students who go to her, she teaches singing, dancing and instruments." 

The Fitzsimon family (Image: Newsquest) Members of the public also loved the evening. 

Lucy Fitzsimon attended with her husband and two children. 

She said: "We've come here mainly for the little ones. We've been a couple of years ago but haven't been since then, but we try to get down when we can. 

"I work with quite a lot of the groups who are performing, it's nice to see them on the stage."