Joy at Grimsby's Christmas lights - video
CHRISTMAS celebrations got under way in Grimsby last night as the town's lights were officially switched on.
Dozens of people gathered at the Riverhead to see the procession of children carrying Christmas lanterns, before the town was lit up.
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Grimsby town centre Christmas lights at the Riverhead
Pupils from Elliston Infants School led the crowd in carol singing, before the Salvation Army band performed some classic Christmas tunes.
Led by Canon Michael Hunter, the children walked from St James's Church to the Riverhead, where they performed three of their favourite Christmas songs.
Grimsby town centre Christmas lights at the Riverhead
The mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor John Colebrook, then led the crowd in a countdown before switching on the lights.
He said: "It is a privilege to switch the lights on. The pupils were excellent at singing and really got the crowd in the Christmas spirit.
"I think the tree looks great and gets Grimsby looking good for Christmas. Lots of people have turned out to see the lights be switched on. Let's hope that people also get spending in the shops in town."
Six-year-old Daniel Harris was one of the children from Elliston Infants taking part in the lantern parade.
"It was really good," he said.
"I have being doing lots of practice for the songs and it was good fun."
The event, organised by the Grimsby Town Centre Forum, also marked the start of late-night Christmas shopping at Freshney Place.
Chairman Dave Ranshaw said: "I think it went very well, it was a great night. The children singing was fabulous – obviously a lot of practice went into it.
"I think the tree is the best we have ever had and there are extra lights on it this year so it looks absolutely superb.
"I think everyone who came could not have failed to be moved by the pupils.
"It was all absolutely fantastic."
16 Comments
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by RGH, Clee
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 10:35AM
“oh dear, too many wine gums and water me thinks. sorry folks.
Try PATHETIC, even. Don't know where i got "prothectic" from.”
by RGH, Clee
Monday, November 23 2009, 8:11PM
“I walked past the Christmas tree at the River Head today and what a miserable sight it was.
The tree itself was OK, but do the council think a couple of hundred lights make a Christmas tree look like a 'decorated,' tree, that only come on when it is dark.?
I know the tree is outside, but some lanterns, stars and baubles etc would make it look like a 'properly decorated' Christmas tree.
It is the SAME PROTHECTIC embarrassing attempt (and i use the word loosely) every year.
If the people of Norway can send us a tree, don't offend them with a miserable 'attempt' at decorating it.”
by Can't believe some people!, Gy
Saturday, November 21 2009, 8:18AM
“well done Richard, thats exactly right, whoever is moaning about the sad looking tree, why don't you go over to Norway and tell all the school children how rubbish you think their tree is, I think the tree looks great and don't know how much bigger you actually want it to be! Why don't the moaners get together and donate the tree and lights next year as I'm sure there would be an outrage if our council tax went up to pay for better lights and a celebrity! come on get real!”
by Simon, Grimsby
Friday, November 20 2009, 4:36PM
“I say that to my girlfriend all the time !!!”
by Richard, GY
Friday, November 20 2009, 4:26PM
“Sorry
grateful”
by Richard, Gy
Friday, November 20 2009, 4:05PM
“It's not the size that matters it's the gift .
and the reason for the gift.
we should be greatful to have recieved it.
if you don't know the reason for it, then don't make comments about it.”
by Just Wondering, Grimsby
Friday, November 20 2009, 3:52PM
“So do the kids in Sorland have the dimensions of the space on the ship before they pick the tree ?
Defeats the whole object of them choosing one for us doesn't it ?”
by Richard, GY
Friday, November 20 2009, 3:18PM
“Grimbarian,
it is quite obvious that you don't read this newspaper
the tree has nothing to do with the council, other than placing the tree in it's position
It is a gift from the town of, Sorland, Norway.
in appreciation for our help during, WW II
the children of the town of Sortland, selected the tree by going into the forest to pick one for us.
the size of the tree is determined by the space onboard the ship that fetched it across the north sea, to us
and at no cost to the town.
if you want a bigger and better tree please, put your hands in your pockets and donate one for us.
Thanks once more to the Children and the town of Sortland, Norway
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year,
from all in Grimsby.
Richie.”
by Lara, Grimsby
Friday, November 20 2009, 2:31PM
“Why do people always have to be so miserable about things? ;) Don't be such humbugs about tree sizes and the lack of 'celebrity' to turn the lights on.
It doesn't matter how many people went, it was something a bit different and special for the children to do, they enjoyed it as did the people who did bother to go.”
by Grimbarian, Grimsby
Friday, November 20 2009, 12:20PM
“I wish the council would make an effort and get a decent sized tree instead of the sad looking specimen they get each year.”