Free events as Leeds neighbourhood hosts Christmas lights switch-on

Armley Victorian Fair in 2016 at the British Heart Foundation shop on Town Street. From left, Raymond Sandeson, Irene Long, Nora Cleary, volunteers, Sharon Fisher, manager, Susan Denton, assistant manager

People are invited to join in the free festivities on and around Town Street on Saturday.

Children’s activities and more than 20 stalls will be on offer in the One Stop Centre and Love and Light Tea Room on Stanningley Road between noon and 4pm.

Fireworks and on-stage entertainment will then take place between 4pm and 6pm, with the big switch-on happening at the end.

The event is being organised by Leeds City Council’s Breeze events team, with the markets put on by community group All Together Armley (ATA).

ATA committee member Glenn Broadbent said: “These events bring people together from all parts of the community. They build lasting friendships, actually.

“It’s important to get people from around the community together but it also improves the image of Armley.

“Things have changed dramatically over the last two years.

“The environment on Armley Town Street is much improved.”

He credited Coun Alice Smart and Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves as two of the people who have helped boost the area’s prospects alongside ATA and others.

Town Street will be shut between 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, a schedule brought in to minimise disruption for businesses who in previous years became “frustrated” at it being closed all day.

And the market, which will help raise funds for mental health charity Mind and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, has been moved inside to provide a warmer environment for visitors.