Castleford to shine with Christmas lights

The brand-new bespoke lights will be shining alongside the existing traditional Christmas lights after Wakefield Council teamed up with local company, Really Useful Products, to give the Christmas decorations a distinct new look.

The firm has invested £20,000 in the lights which include 3D butterflies, stars and wrapped presents, with the council also contributing a further £21,000.

The lights are created from 48,000 LED mini bulbs and if joined end to end would cover nearly five kilometres.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by Coun Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration.

She said: “We’re delighted to welcome these fantastic and unique decorations to Castleford town centre.

“We hope they will encourage more people to come and visit and shop in the town centre this festive season.”

Mike Pickles, CEO of Really Useful Products, said: “It’s great to partner with Wakefield Council in creating a great festive environment to bring more life to Castleford town centre.”

Coun Jeffery added: “This is an excellent example of how we can work with private companies to boost our district, making them a really great place to live, work and shop.

“Thank you to Really Useful Products for their generosity and support in lighting up Castleford.”

The official lights switch-on event is taking place on Tuesday, November 28 at 5.45pm.

Coun Jeffery will be joined by Castleford singer, X-Factor star, Jack Walton and local community groups.

There will also be a Christmas market throughout the day in Castleford, from 10am to 6pm, with children’s rides, donkey rides and lots of family entertainment.

Staged entertainment starts at 4pm where Jack Walton will be entertaining the crowds alongside performances from Lock Lane Community Group and Castleford Tigers Cheerleaders.