Christmas celebrations set to return to Longridge

Starting on Thursday, November 28, there will be late-night shopping, entertainment from the town’s brass band, live music, a tractor parade, food trucks, an artisan market and two fun runs.

Late night festive shopping is a long-held tradition in Longridge but the event has grown over the years, with many now believing there is too much to do and see on one night.

As a result, the Love Longridge Business Group has decided to super-size the town’s Christmas festivities.

On the Thursday, shops will be open until 9pm and visitors will be entertained in stores and local bars.

In the area around the Old Station Buildings, Santa will arrive to switch on the Christmas lights, local schools will sing carols and Longridge Brass Band will tour the shops.

A traditional Christmas fair will also be held at Berry Lane School.

On ‘Foodie’ Friday, November 29, attention switches to the Civic Hall.

There will be live music throughout the late afternoon and evening and a food court established in front of the hall.

The town’s first-ever tractor parade will be held in the evening and the machines, decorated for Christmas, will proceed to the Civic Hall where prizes will be presented to the best-decorated tractor and driver.

​On Saturday November 30, an artisan market will be held between 9am and 3pm at Towneley Gardens.

At 10am the starting gun will also be fired for two races. There will be a Santa Dash – a 10k run for the serious athletes – and a fun-focused Turkey Tinsel Trot, where fancy dress, prams and pets are encouraged.

This will be a much shorter run, or walk, or toddle, of around 2k. Both will end in the centre of Longridge.

A spokesman for Love Longridge said: “We hope that this programme avoids the crush we have seen in recent years, with all activities focused on a sometimes-frenetic Thursday evening.

"We also hope the programme will encourage residents and visitors to come to the town more than once.”