LOOK North’s Charlotte Leeming was the perfect guest celebrity performing the lights switch-on at the Burley Christmas Market on Saturday, December 1.

She talked to lots of stall holders and visited many different locations in the village. Despite constant rain, the event was packed out with people who turned out to hear local school choirs, the Ukelele Jammers, Emeli Mumford and the Dear Santa choir and the Rev Jason McCullach.

With over 30 stalls and rides the Main Street Christmas Market was a big draw, accompanied by over 20 craft stalls in the Queens Hall, traction engines on display, and various refreshments and displays in both Salem and Methodist churches.

The whole event was coordinated by the Community Trust, with funding help from Burley Parish Council.

Duncan Ault, chairman of the Community Trust said:”The event demonstrates fantastic collaboration from volunteers - individuals and from different village organizations. This reflects the tremendous community spirit of Burley. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special day.”

Advent weekend was also full of activity for Burley-in-Wharfedale Methodist Church who held its Angelic Mills Festival, which celebrates the historic link between local mills and the churches. Marton Mills generously donated yards of fabric offcuts which were used to create pictures of the nativity by the village nurseries and schools, with backdrops of beautifully designed stained glass windows. The effects were wonderful and much enjoyed by the many people who came to visit, and also enjoy the refreshments, stalls and performance by the Wharfedale Junior Handbell Ringers. Money was raised for the church and also for Christian Aid, The Salvation Army, and the church charity, Refugee Support Europe.

Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust (BWCT) is a registered charity formed in 2003 to provide facilities and services and to maintain assets for the benefit of all Burley residents and visitors. Surplus funds generated by the Christmas events are reinvested with the Trust for the benefit of the village. It has always taken the lead on the Christmas lights.