Lib Dem councillor for Westfield Andrew Waller has thanked all the volunteers whose efforts have helped to light up Acomb for Christmas.
On Saturday (3 December), crowds gathered on Front Street for an afternoon of entertainment which culminated with the switch-on of the lights on the Christmas tree outside the Gateway Centre.
YorkMix hosted the event and provided the music. There were performances from the Hob Moor Primary School choir, Blue Light Theatre Company and the Enchanted Entertainment Princesses.
The children’s face painting proved very popular and First York supported the event with free goody bags handed out.
Earlier on Saturday the York & Ainsty Rotary Club kicked off the festive events with a visit from Santa and his sleigh.
The festive preparations got underway the previous weekend when a team from Acomb Scouts helped to install the wall-mounted Christmas trees at over 30 local shops and businesses.
Then this week the lamp post lights were installed and finally the Christmas tree was lit up.
The trees on the local shops are paid for by those businesses and put up by volunteers, the lights on the streetlights were installed by the council have been funded by the ward committees and the council’s regeneration budget.
Speaking at the switch-on event, Cllr Waller said “It has been great to see the community come together to get in the festive spirit.
“I’m particularly grateful to YorkMix and First York for their support in helping to make the event a success – having the backing of businesses who are very much part of our community is a huge boost.
“The trees, lights and switch-on event are made possible by the work of a small team of hard-working volunteers. If anyone would like to get involved in planning future events, please get in touch with me.”
You can contact Cllr Waller via [email protected].