THOUSANDS of residents came out to celebrate the start of the festivities with the Light Night parade and event in Leigh.

On Saturday, November 18, the council-organised Frost Festival and Light Night parade wowed audiences to get people of all ages in the festive spirit.

Led by the Batala Manchester Samba Band, Leigh Lepoards and the Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Kevin Anderson, more than 200 people took part in the electric light night parade throughout the town centre.

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Leigh Journal: Schools and community groups helped to lead the paradeSchools and community groups helped to lead the parade (Image: Wigan Council)
With the parade making its way throughout the town centre, thousands came out to enjoy the celebrations, which included a special moment on the cenotaph square with Bedford High singing Imagine by John Lennon.

The parade finished on the town hall square with finale performance led by WigLe Dance, WN, travelling Light Circus (fire show) and Bom ta Bom.

The parade celebrations came after a full day of festive treats with Christmas markets installed through the town centre, as well as fun fair rides, stage performances, and Father Christmas in attendance. 

Leigh Journal: Father Christmas made an appearance at the paradeFather Christmas made an appearance at the parade (Image: Wigan Council)
Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “What an incredible occasion! It was absolutely fantastic to see thousands of local people kick-off the festive season in style.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all those who took part in our wonderful Light Night Leigh parade, including our Challenge Cup-winning Leigh Leopards and more than 100 young people from local schools and groups such as Leigh Youth Hub, Explorers CIC and Umbrella Arts.

“It really made for a tremendous spectacle and a true celebration of the diversity and creativity of our community, while there was a brilliant atmosphere for our traditional Christmas lights switch-on and our first ever Frost Feast as people came together to eat, drink and be merry.”

Leigh Journal: Stage performers for Leigh's festive celebrationsStage performers for Leigh's festive celebrations (Image: Wigan Council)