Opinion: MyMirfield’s Richard Hartley shares plans for the town’s Christmas celebrations

This Sunday will see the Big Christmas Light Switch On from 6pm with fairground rides, food stalls, fire sculpture, and of course, a visit from Santa on his sleigh. Organised and arranged by the town council, it really does kick off the festive season.

Then next week will see the very first Late Night Festive Thursday to be held in Mirfield. We have previously urged the high street to work together and ‘throw open their doors, adopt the festive spirit, welcome people with food and drink and grab the opportunity to encourage more people to buy their Christmas gifts and make pre-Christmas orders, locally’ – and they have embraced the new event, which will see decorated windows, Christmas music, street entertainment and some special offers.

Organised by MyMirfield, Beadelicious, and Millie and Berties, the late night shopping will begin from December 4, continuing on December 11 and 18, with doors open until 8pm. So pop on down, or stop off on your commute home.

On Wednesday December 24 at 4pm there will be carols sung around the Christmas tree outside the library in the centre of Mirfield. Now in its fourth year, this free festive community gathering is quickly becoming a Mirfield family tradition. The Salvation Army band will be accompanying the carol singing again – and there are a few festive surprises for both children and the parents planned.

The new year will soon be upon us, and some tasters for 2015 include the inaugural MyMirfield Business and Community Awards, the MyMirfield 2020 Vision in conjunction with Orange Design Studio, and the full launch of our new website with more news, events, services, businesses and information than before – plus the MyMirfield Shop.

So roll on 2015, but not before we have enjoyed the festive season together.