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Bury’s first Christmas parade to light up The Rock with live music and radio broadcast

Tuesday, 2 September 2025 07:30

By David Murphy

The Rock Christmas Light Switch on with Roch Valley Radio from a previous year. Credit: David Murphy

The Rock Shopping Centre is launching its first-ever Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade this November, with Roch Valley Radio broadcasting live from the event.

The Rock Shopping Centre in Bury will mark its 15th anniversary with a new festive tradition, a Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade set to take place on Saturday 8 November 2025.

Starting at 3:45pm, the event will bring music, lights and community groups together in a public celebration aimed at uniting the town in the run-up to Christmas.

Roch Valley Radio will be broadcasting live from the centre throughout the day and event, providing entertainment, interviews and festive music from our radio trailer on site. The station will also help host the countdown to the big switch-on.

The centre is encouraging local schools, clubs, choirs and community organisations to take part in the parade. Groups can register in advance to join the procession, with prizes up for grabs including:

  • Best Dressed Group
  • Most Original Christmas Theme
  • Best Use of Lights

Winners will receive a donation to their group or chosen charity, a feature on The Rock’s social media and newsletter, and early booking for next year’s event. All participants will also receive certificates.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said:
“This is a truly special moment for us. After 15 fantastic years, we’re thrilled to be launching our first Christmas Parade and Lights Switch-On. It’s a chance for the whole community to come together and celebrate. We’re pulling out all the stops to make it memorable, and we’d love as many people as possible to get involved.”

How to register
Community groups who want to join the parade can email: info@therockbury.com with:

  • Group name and activity
  • Number of participants
  • A short note on why they want to take part

The event is free to attend, and visitors can also enjoy festive food, shopping and live performances across the afternoon.

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