By special invitation from Irwell Valley, Santa Claus kicks off his world-wide tour to switch on the lights at Haughton Green.
Sub-zero temperatures, roads blocked with heavy snow and school closures meant Santa had to wait a while for his traditional mince pies and other inducements.
Finally, some residents managed to brave the freezing weather and turned out to admire Santa’s hard work on the 20ft tree - with a little help from Irwell Valley colleagues - before going off to the local community centre on Tatton Rd for warming mulled wine, some hearty singing and Christmas music.
Elsewhere, there was another ‘switch on’ at the Sale West Estates Community Centre. Local school children from St. Margaret’s Ward, Firs Primary, All Saints and Wood Heys Primary, treated residents to a ‘sing4fun’ concert organised by Reverend Gerry Foster, who works alongside Irwell Valley to deliver community events at Sale West.
Similar festive cheer will be ringing out throughout December. Everyone is invited to join in, so check your neighbourhood area events’ calendar on our website for what’s happening near you.