AN initiative designed to add festive sparkle to Keighley was officially launched at the weekend.

And the venture has won high praise from the town’s mayor.

As part of the Festive Bauble Project, children and adults across Keighley are being encouraged to create baubles – which will be displayed on the Christmas tree in the Airedale Shopping Centre.

In its first year, the project saw more than 1,000 baubles produced – by schools, care homes, groups and residents.

Then in 2021, that rose to a staggering 4,000.

This year’s venture was formally launched on Saturday at the Airedale Shopping Centre.

The choir from Keighley performing arts school BOLT Academy performed, and there was a bauble-making workshop which anyone could take part in.

Leading the Festive Bauble Project for a third year are residents Melissa Bruley, Helen James and Claire Denby.

Support is being provided by Bradford Council, The Leap, Keighley Big Local and the Airedale Shopping Centre.

Town mayor Councillor Luke Maunsell and mayoress Debbie Maunsell were amongst those at the launch.

Cllr Maunsell says: “Keighley is blessed with amazing residents doing their bit for our town and all of its people.

“The Festive Bauble Project is seeing thousands of baubles being created by local people and organisations.

“At the weekend’s launch event we were also treated to a spectacular performance by BOLT Academy – and presented community hero Holly Jade with an award for all her voluntary work.

“It’s amazing that all of this is made possible by three volunteers who dedicate their time to adding a bit of Christmas cheer for us all.

“It was also brilliant to learn that all of the baubles finish up being recycled at the end of the year – a green approach which is very much appreciated right now.

“Well done to everyone involved – and there is still time to make your own bauble, just like the mayoress and I did!”

An initial bauble workshop was staged at the Little Nomad shop and exhibition space in Keighley earlier this month, and was well attended.

There’ll also be a chance to decorate baubles at the after-school club at Hainworth Wood Community Centre, in Hainworth Wood Road, on December 6 and 13.

People can print off their own template for a bauble at facebook.com/keighleychristmasbaubles, where information about the progress of the scheme and workshops can also be found.

In its inaugural year, the project was widely praised for helping to spread festive cheer and keeping the Christmas spirit alive at a time when the pandemic had led to the cancellation of many events and activities.

Claire said: “Everyone really enjoys the project.

“We get lots of communities and people of all ages taking part – including nurseries, old people’s homes, businesses, uniformed groups and residents.”