FESTIVE fun will be coming to Bolton’s district towns with four Christmas light switch ons.

Farnworth, Westhoughton, Horwich and Blackrod will be bringing residents back together after the Covid lockdowns by hosting seasonal events.

Councillors and residents in Farnworth say they are excited to return for another year for a Christmas Light Switch on.

The lights event will take place on December 2 from 3.30pm until 7.30pm outside the Home Bargains on Market Street, where the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, will switch on the lights.

Cllr Maureen Flitcroft, for Farnworth and Kearsley, said: “We are so excited to be in a position to be able to offer this event after last year’s hiatus.

“The people of Farnworth and Kearsley will be able to enjoy some wonderful entertainment including local dance groups, school choirs, Kearsley Youth Brass Band, a visit from Father Christmas himself and of course the switch on performed by the Mayor Cllr Linda Thomas.

“We look forward to seeing our residents turn out and support this event as they have in the past.”

Westhoughton will also be hosting a Christmas Light switch on, on November 26, where the Rotary Club of Westhoughton will have their festive sleigh for children to meet Santa.

Villagers in Blackrod are also very excited to have their annual Christmas tree light up on November 30 at 6.30pm.

The tree in Blackhorse Street will be lit up in by the town’s mayor, Cllr Nick Bell, and local children.

The event will involve carol singing, with the community choir and children from the local school getting involved and after the lights have been switched on people are invited to St Katharine’s Church for seasonal refreshments.

Pre-pandemic normally 100 to 150 people attend the event.

The town clerk for Blackrod, Stella Lowis, said: “Last year everything was quite low key due to Covid-19 and government regulations but this year we’re hoping for a little more sparkle.”

Horwich will also have a Christmas light switch on at the start of December, but the date and time is to be confirmed.

There will not a be an official switch on in Bolton town centre, but families will be able to enjoy a Christmas wonderland over the festive season.