Local hero, actor Alun Armstrong, who hails from Annfield Plain, battled extreme Canadian weather to make his way back to Stanley to turn on the Christmas Lights. Mr Armstrong had been filming in Canada but due to heavy snowfall his return to the UK was delayed by days as flight after flight was cancelled. He  even boarded a flight only to be turned back after an hour in the air. Many people would have cancelled, but Alun jumped on a train as soon as he arrived in London and just made it in time to be here for the switch on . We’re very grateful that Alun went to all this effort to support his home town.

For this year’s event, we had a ‘mini lumiere’, featuring the light clock that has been seen at the Gala in Durham, light installations in the planters and on street furniture and a mirror ball installation that when coupled with the music from the funfair made the front street feel like a huge outdoor disco. There was also an installation in the bus station for the night. We were also lucky enough to have carols on Front Street performed by our own Craghead Colliery Band.  There is nothing more festive than a brass band  on a cold night and Craghead did the town proud as always.

Hundreds of local residents came to enjoy the event, which brought a real buzz to the Front Street. There is a gallery of images HERE

Thanks to Lewis Christie for images. Check his page out here