Festive winter wonderland to wow Batley

From 11am to 4pm, the Commercial Street centre will be home to more than 20 stalls selling items like handmade and crocheted crafts, pickles, preserves, handmade cards, watches and jewellery.

And Batley School of Art students have teamed up with Creative Scene and Batley Business Association (BBA), who organised the event, to decorate the empty shopping centre.

Their specially-made laser-cut snowflake decorations will also be on sale during the day to support the Batley Christmas lights fund and Kirkwood Hospice.

Andrew Marsden, chairman of the BBA, said: “It’s fantastic to have a new event in the town centre and we are looking forward to welcoming a bumper crowd. “We are delighted that the students have been able to support our event.

“Their hard work and amazing creativity has helped transform the Alfreds Way arcade from a bit of a drab area into a wonderful festive, cheerful place. They deserve a huge thank you.”

Father Christmas will be in his grotto between 1pm and 3pm.

Country artist Jade Helliwell and Paul Rodgers will be performing Christmas songs throughout the day, with more entertainment by the Clifton bell ringers and the Tea Ladies.

In the refreshments area, there will be a festive arts workshop.

Mr Marsden also wished to thank Creative Artshub and Creative Scene for their part in the decoration, Tesco for the loan of the arcade, Asda for their donation, and Iceland for stocking the refreshment area.