CHRISTMAS lights were switched on in Haworth and Steeton as local villages gear up for the festive season.

The first-ever Haworth switch-on was hailed a great success by local business people who organised the family event last Saturday.

Crowds flocked to watch the official switch-on at the Christmas tree at the bottom of Main Street by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration.

Spokesman Josie Price, who runs Weavers Guesthouse, said: “The switch-on exceeded all our expectations in terms of attendance, and feedback has been really encouraging. Harry Gration was super, a real gentleman. You could tell his fondness for Haworth, which resonated with the mainly local crowd.

We’ve had some excellent acts across the whole weekend and the village has been full of life and activity.

“The support from within the local community and further afield has been tremendous, and exactly what independent retail/ business and the UK high street needs.We are grateful to our sponsors.”

The switch-on featured live entertainment by groups including Same Difference, Haworth School Choir, Shine, Haworth Ukulele Group and Keighley Musical Theatre Company.

The theatre group’s members played roles from their January 2020 pantomime Cinderella, with characters like Cinders, Prince Charming, Buttons, and the Ugly Sisters mingling with local people and visitors during the switch-on event.

The Haworth businesses have organised a full programme of attractions on the run-up to Christmas, including the annual torchlight procession this Saturday and Sunday.

All pictures of the Haworth light switch-on by Stephen Hogg unless specified otherwise.

The sixth Christmas lights switch-on in Steeton and Eastburn was the biggest yet.

Hundreds of villagers turned out to watch as the recently installed vicar, the Rev David Coleman, turned on the new tree lights for the parish, and street lights across the two villages.

A mini Christmas market was set up, and entertainment was provided by local accordionist Thom Hardaker, Steeton Male Voice Choir and children from Steeton and Eastburn Primary Schools.