Burley-in-Wharfedale prepares for annual Christmas lights celebration
Burley-in-Wharfedale will celebrate the start of the festive season on Saturday 28 November 2026, with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Festivities in the afternoon include a craft market and stalls hosted by local voluntary groups in Queens Hall from 1.30pm, while a street market will run along Main Street from 2pm. Local businesses will also be open, offering food and drink, alongside children's rides and, of course, a special appearance by Father Christmas.
The build up to the lights being switch on will begin in front of the Grange at 2.45pm, with performances from local choirs, including pupils from the village primary schools, as well as musicians and dancers. The Christmas lights switch-on ceremony will take place at 4.30pm with a mystery celebrity.
Main Street will be closed between Station Road and Long Meadows from 12 noon until 6.30pm. All vehicles, including buses, will be diverted via Grange Road and Back Lane. Residents and visitors are asked to help minimise traffic in the area during the closure.
The Christmas lights have been a much-loved Burley tradition for more than 40 years. This year, however, the Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust, with support from the Parish Council, is taking a new approach to installing the display.
Following significant safety concerns surrounding traditional installation methods, including the risk of accidents to volunteers and members of the public, as well as electrical issues with some of the lights and insurance considerations, the Trust has decided to employ a specialist company to install most of the display.
A spokesperson for the organisers, Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust, said: "Volunteers remain essential to the planning, preparation and installation of the display, and the Trust is deeply grateful to everyone who gives their time and energy. For installations that involve greater risk or require specialist equipment, the Trust now engages a qualified third-party installer, in line with health and safety requirements.
"This approach allows the community to remain involved while ensuring that higher-risk work is carried out safely and professionally. New volunteers are warmly welcomed to help with the lights and other aspects of the event."
The Community Trust would also like to express its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have helped bring Christmas magic to Burley over so many years. Their time, dedication, care and hard work have helped make the Christmas lights a cherished part of village life.
This year, the lights will be concentrated in the centre of the village and around Grange Park. The Trust hopes to build on the display in future years and looks forward to another wonderful opportunity for the whole village to come together and celebrate the festive season.
