Ilkeston - Friday Night Lights
w/e 02 December 2018
All of this week's pictures were
taken with a Kodak DX6490
  As November
drew to a close and with the start of Advent just a couple of
days away, it was time for Ilkeston's Christmas Lights to be
switched on. On Friday morning the tree (left) which had been
erected by the Cenotaph a few days earlier had been draped with
strings of coloured lights and on the Lower Market a line of
empty stalls (right) stood waiting to be occupied.
As darkness fell the tree still stood bereft of light although
the Market Place had been filled with fairground rides and other
amusements and as 7 o'clock approached the crowds gathered around
the Town Hall.
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When the Mayor of Erewash flicked the switch to bring the illuminations
to life, the roof of the Town Hall erupted with a firework display
similar to the one at the opening of the Annual Charter Fair
but as that one was at midday, this one was much more visible.
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Santa emerged from the Town Hall and proved a popular figure
handing sweets out to the children.
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Meanwhile a Santa twin was siting in his cabin just a few steps
away to greet more children as they queued to tell him their
Christmas wishes. Outside various model figures including one
of the man himself were grouped around the entrance.
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And even one of the obligatory stilt walkers that seem to be
present at all events such as this in the town centre had donned
a Santa costume while his partner was dressed as a reindeer.
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Those empty market stalls on the Lower Market Place had now been
occupied by various groups and organisations fund raising for
various good causes.
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The lights were on all the way down Bath Street with security
standing guard to prevent any random vehicles trying to access
the town centre.
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A light shower meant a few people left the party early but many
still stayed to enjoy the attractions.
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Attractions that included a Little (as opposed to Big) Wheel
for the children.
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And at last the tree by the Cenotaph was brightly lit to herald
the start of Advent and the build up to Christmas.
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