Ilkeston - Lighting Up Time
w/e 29 November 2015
All of this week's pictures were
taken with a Kodak DX6490
The rain on Friday night, November 27th, didn't put people off
from turning up on the Market Place for the switching on of Ilkeston's
Christmas lights which was the signal for an explosive fireworks
display from the Town Hall roof.
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Musical entertainment in front of the civic building was provided
by a local band, the Magic Monkeys.
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But immediately after the switching on ceremony conducted by
the Mayor of Erewash, all eyes turned to the man in red who was
delving into his sack to produce goodies for the youngsters.
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He was assisted in the task of distributing sweets by a number
of Santa's little helpers.
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The stilt walkers must surely have had a good view of the proceedings
in front of the Town Hall and as the crowd moved away, they were
quite happy to pose for what are fast becoming the customary
selfies.
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With the rain still coming down the crowd started to disperse
but some stayed around to enjoy the fun fair that had been set
up for the occasion on the Market Place.
To record this photo as your favourite
from this week's selection vote for "Fun Fair" below.
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The Erewash Museum had planned a Dickensian event to be run in
conjunction with the switching on of the lights but delays with
the redevelopment and building work at the museum meant that
they decided to erect a gazebo on the Lower Market Place and
move their entertainment outdoors. With several representatives
in Victorian costume they entertained with carol singing and
you could even meet up with a Victorian cook.
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Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge was also mingling with the townsfolk
but was still in his former guise before his transformation into
a generous kindly man. Bah, humbug!
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The Lower Market Place was also lined with market stalls occupied
by various groups, charities, churches and other organisation
raising funds for good causes. One church had gone back much
further that the Victorian age to Biblical times and donned apparel
to depict the birth of Jesus in a stable.
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As far as I know there were no such emergencies on Friday night
though and the local constabulary were able to enjoy the event
as much as everyone else.
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