Huge Success for Manton Christmas Event

Huge Success for Manton Christmas Event
Hundreds of local people braved the cold and snow to join in the Manton Christmas Celebration on Thursday, 17 December. This is the third year the celebration has taken place, and part of the event gave residents of all ages the opportunity to vote for the issues they think should be targeted by local service providers during 2010.

The Christmas Celebration began with mince pies and refreshments at the Manton site of Ryton Park Primary school. From here, children and their parents, led by Father Christmas and his helper, took part in a lantern parade through the darkening streets of Manton, winding through the estate to join the main event opposite the Manton Community Alliance office on Edinburgh Road. And right on cue, snow started to fall as the parade reached Edinburgh Road, creating a magical effect for the main event.

As darkness fell, a festive scene illuminated the whole area, where roads were closed to ensure traffic safety at the event. Decorative lights hung in the trees – a Christmas tree donated by the Forestry Commission, - and stalls and brightly lit tents provided fun and entertainment for all ages. Local DJ Paul provided the music and PA system, with crowds packing the area, and local children queuing to see Father Christmas who delighted them with a free selection box for all.

Manton Community Alliance and many partner organisations helped to host the event, and representatives from Manton Children’s Centre, Manton CAN, the police, fire brigade, Connaught, A1 Housing, Longhurst and Havelock Housing, the Forestry Commission and others were all present. Other activities included the rodeo bull, activity trailer, Deano’s Donkeys, the Balloon Man, Image Skool Spray painting, Worksop Christian Centre Puppet Show, and Street Cheer. Christmas carols were performed by children from Holy Family RC Primary school, Ryton Park Primary school and the Worksop Christian Centre. Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, aided by Father Christmas, officially opened the event, and hot refreshments were provided by Worksop Town’s Under 10s, and JJ’s Plaice.

The Voice Your Choice opportunity was the second stage of the 2010 process, where projects are being voted for. There will be further opportunities for local people to Voice their Choice early in the New Year.

This year, the issues have been categorised under five themes, and voters will be asked to choose up to two priorities from each theme. This will decide how key issues will be targeted during 2010, and projects are to be in place by the end of March.

Organisers of the event would like to thank all volunteers and everyone who came along on the day to make the event such a huge success.