Lydgate launched its Christmas season with a dazzling double tree-lighting ceremony that drew more than 150 villagers to two locations simultaneously on Tuesday evening.

Villagers gathered at both the White Hart car park and the beloved Christmas tree at the village crossroads, where Sylvie and Elsie pressed the magic button to illuminate both trees at once. The joint effort by Love Lydgate and the White Hart received crucial support from Saddleworth Rotary Club, whose senior member Bill Bussey contributed £150 toward gifts for children.

Rev Ian Brocklehurst from Lydgate led prayers before the lighting, while Santa surprised the crowd by arriving at the Pavilion with two elves while everyone was outside. Jennifer Greenwood, Love Lydgate’s chair, said: “Santa was so pleased to be back in Lydgate and we were delighted to see him again.”

The celebration continued inside with an open bar serving mulled wine, mince pies and special White Hart Christmas biscuits. “The singing group from St Anne’s school were excellent. They get better each year!” Greenwood added. “Thank you to OMBC for providing our lovely Christmas tree at the crossroads - it’s a real beacon of joy to people passing by.”

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