Monthly Archives: November 2023

FOPP Advent & Christmas Events 2023

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Christmas Lights Market – We kick off our seasonal celebrations at the Guiseley Light Switch On, 26th November, 2- 6pm. Come and say hello at our stall; we’ll have the popular roll-a-car, a children’s bran tub, copies of the Guiseley Jubilee Oak Story, and leaflets on the Alternative Lantern Parade 2023 and Christmas Bauble Trail. Please bring cash.

Christmas Tree Festival – For the start of Advent, we’ll be adding a tree to the St Oswald’s Christmas Tree Festival which will open on the First Sunday in Advent, 3rd December. There will be a host of innovatively decorated trees from a range of organizations across the Parish which makes a splendid sight as the days grow darker.

Park Christmas Lights and Bauble Trail – The start of Advent sees the Park Christmas Light Trail back by popular demand. Visit a variety of locations to find a letter at each that makes up a Christmassy word. Trail leaflet here. Each location will have been dressed for Christmas by a different team. This includes the memory corner, where stars and snowflakes blow in the breeze, each one a memory of a loved one or pet. If you’d like to dedicate a decoration contact Joanna Brooks on parkinsonspark@gmail.com

Advent Tree – At the same time, hang an Advent bauble on the celebration tree to build up the decorations over the period until we we reach Christmas Day. Red and gold are the best colours as they light up the Park as the dying sun sends its rays across the landscape.

Lantern Parade – Finally, the Lantern Parade on 17th December will be changing formats this year. More details here. We are again recruiting local people for drummers an activity much enjoyed by those who take part. If you’d like to volunteer contact Chris Parapia on parkinsonspark@gmail.com. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm.

The ‘Alternative’ Lantern Parade

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After 10 years, the FOPP Lantern Parade on Sunday 17th December will be different this year; however, with your enthusiastic input, just as enjoyable we hope. The time has come when Leeds City Council think we need professional traffic management for the Friends parade down from the Park. That has not been possible to arrange this year, so there will be no community parade from the Park. Instead, here is

4.10pmGather at Guiseley Town Cross. We envisage people walking from their homes as dusk falls with a lit lantern to gather together at the heart of Old Guiseley. Music from Guiseley Brass Band, Mince Pies, collect a Carol Sheet.
4.20pm Be there to see the arrival of the Guiseley Lanterns as darkness falls. Listen out for the drumming as they get closer.
4.30pmStart of carol singing by lantern light with Guiseley Brass Band
4.50pm Finale, with children singing Jingle Bells on the steps . If you have them bring bells to jingle

Festive dress is encouraged to make the event more special; dig out your Santa hats, antlers, and Christmas jumpers.

Let’s Make This Special

We would ask, as always, that children are accompanied by adults. And if the weather is pouring down, as has been its habit since July, we will cancel the event, so watch out on the day on our Facebook page. Parkinson’s Park.

Christmas Bauble Trail, Early December – 7th January

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The start of Advent sees the Park Christmas Light Trail back by popular demand. On a day and time of your choosing, visit a variety of locations in the Park to find a letter at each that makes up a Christmassy word. Trail leaflet here. 

Each location will have been dressed for Christmas by a different team of local people.

Meanwhile add your own Bauble to the Advent Tree from 1st December to build up the decorations over the period until we we reach Christmas Day. Red and gold are the best colours as they light up the Park as the dying sun sends its rays across the landscape.