Thousands attend switch-on of Burley-in-Wharfedale's Christmas lights

It was a cold, but dry day, and the market stalls did exceptionally well, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon’s entertainment.

Drone footage of the event was taken and will be available on social media shortly.

This year's celebrity guest Huey Quinn of Emmerdale fame

This year Burley-in-Wharfedale is celebrating 42 years of the renowned sparkling display. It originated in 1981 from a project taken on by Tom Sumner restoring the fountain area at the bottom of Station Road. Mr Dick Hargrave and Dr Eric Green were involved in the project and, as the local butcher Dick, suggested putting up some Christmas lights. Tom subsequently put up the lights and the Burley-in-Wharfedale Christmas Lights display was born

The display grew year by year helped by a growing number of volunteers eager to help and be involved.

Since then, the event has grown to include the switch on ceremony by a local celebrity, Christmas market, craft fairs and choir singing. Many village businesses and organisations have joined in to make the occasion the outstanding success it is today.

Volunteers with Father Christmas. It has been on display for 41 years in Burley-in-Wharfedale and is now being retired from use

The involvement of the volunteers is paramount in the success of this event and because of their hard work the cost of funding the display is a fraction of the cost of neighbouring towns and villages.

Burley-in-Wharfedale Christmas Lights have an annual budget of £3,000 which pays for refurbishment and replacement of the lights only.

The displays you see elsewhere are mostly done by contractors at a premium cost of up to £30,000 per year.

Please visit Burley-in-Wharfedale and marvel at the display and remember how much hard work is involved. Tom Sumner and his team of volunteers willingly give up their time over several weeks to ensure the village continues to enjoy such a phenomenal display. A big thank you to them all.