Guiseley street party raises thousands for Christmas lights

The crowds turned out in force to enjoy singing, dance displays and a whole range of food and entertainment.

Organisers say the event was a great day with a huge turnout and fantastic community spirit.

Manning Stainton was the main event sponsor, and Guiseley Factory Workers Club sponsored the stage.

Visitors were entertained by acts including dance academies, a modern choir, African drum music, and various duos and groups.

The event was based around the theme of St Oswald - as organisers discovered from historical archives that Guiseley used to stage an annual pageant in his honour.

St Oswald's Church launched an exhibition about the saint, who was King of Northumbria, and about the historical pageants. The exhibition will remain open until July 17.

During the fair a 'creation station' was set up where children could make and decorate a crown and a sword, there was also a treasure trail and the chance to meet 'St Oswald' and 'Aidan.'

The party featured more than 40 stalls, as well as funfair rides, and raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

An array of food and drink included a dedicated food court area complete with a drinks tepee.

The party, on Towngate, raised funds for the Guiseley Light Appeal and followed on from the success of fundraising events in 2016. Members of the organising committee are now in the process of formally establishing Guiseley Lights Charitable Trust, to build on the fundraising efforts and ensure the town has even more festive lights in 2017 and future years.

Leeds City Council decided to stop funding Christmas lights in the outlying areas of the Leeds district as part of austerity cutbacks several years ago.

Following that decision a small display was paid for each year by local councillors out of their wellbeing fund. A group was launched to begin fundraising for the lights more than two years ago.

This year's Save Guiseley Christmas Market and Lights switch on will take place on Sunday, November 26.