The countdown for Christmas in Bury has officially started after thousands of people attended the Christmas Lights Switch On at The Rock.
Our big switch on event in conjunction with Tower FM on Thursday 9th November, featuring a star line up including children’s favourite Mr Bloom from CBeebies and pop sensation 5 After Midnight.
Singers and dancers from The Carol Godby Theatre Workshop and Bolton-singer Emilia also featured in the show, while Santa and his stilt-walking elves mingled with the crowds.
It was an extra special night for Carol Howarth from Bury who won a family trip to Lapland in the centre’s ‘Be Santa, See Santa’ competition. Throughout the evening visitors could have their photo taken wearing a Santa hat and beard at Tower FM’s Santa stations on The Rock.
Just before the lights were turned on Carol found out she had scooped the main prize and was invited on stage to claim it.
Prior to the show starting 10 lucky competition winners were given the star treatment at Debenhams restaurant for a special pre-show party with Mr Bloom and after the show 5 After Midnight met some of their biggest fans.
The event marked the beginning of the Christmas season for The Rock. The centre’s Santa’s Grotto will officially open on Saturday 25th November following the Santa’s Arrival parade in the morning and The Rock Express will return in December to transport festive shoppers around the town until the end of the month.
The Rock’s centre director, Arnold Wilcox-Wood, said: “Our Christmas Lights Switch On has become a firm fixture in the centre’s event calendar and gets bigger and better every year – and this year was no exception. The line-up was a huge hit with the crowd and we gave a way some wonderful prizes throughout the night which were donated by our retailers. The Christmas spirit was certainly alive and well and we were thrilled to see so many families enjoying themselves.”
A new family-friendly restaurant will open its doors at The Rock this November.
Racconto Lounge, owned by West Country based restaurant/café/bar group The Lounges, is set to open on November 22nd, creating 25 new jobs.
The Lounges has spent £582,000 transforming the site into a retro-inspired cosy retreat, where eclectic art work and quirky curios sit next to oversized vintage sofas and old school benches, strikingly painted table tops and statement lighting, in the eclectic style much loved by Lounge aficionados.
Particular attention has been paid to families – there is a fine selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads, a full menu just for Little Loungers and high chairs and baby-change facilities are available for the tiny ones.
Mike Butler, Operations Manager, The Lounges, said: “We’re really looking forward to throwing open the doors at Racconto Lounge and showing the locals how to lounge in style. The team are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”
A community notice board is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked. The team will also be holding regular fund-raising events as part of their commitment to making a difference in the community. With this in mind the team have chosen to support the Re-Build Bury charity which helps people living in disadvantaged situations. Racconto Lounge will donate 50p from every burger and 10p from every coffee sold from their first month of trading to the charity.
Racconto Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee in town, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, Racconto Lounge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The all-day menu features everything from their famous authentic tapas and Hero Burger to Tin Pan Louie’s beef chilli, packed paninis and the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted… or there’s the ever-changing specials board. Little people, vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet are well catered for with their very own menus.
Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: “We believe Racconto Lounge will be a great addition to our tenant mix and will complement our existing offering very well.
“Our new restaurant development is part of a plan to improve the evening economy offer and joins up The Rock with the rest of the town centre. This opening marks the start of another exciting chapter for The Rock – Bury’s premier retail and leisure destination.
“We look forward to welcoming the restaurant and their team and we’re confident it will be a huge hit with our visitors.”
Are you stuck for what to buy the special someone in your life this Christmas? Have you got a colleague in the Secret Santa draw but no idea what to buy them? Or need something for dad which is a little bit more exciting than socks? Or maybe you’ve decided you want to treat yourself – maybe to a new dress for the party season or that special fragrance you know and love.
Well, look no further, we’ve pulled together a handy gift guide – with the help of some of our retailers – to showcase just some of what you can buy here at The Rock this festive season.
If it’s pampering they’re into there’s some great gifts and stocking fillers available at Toni & Guy.
Buy a conditioner and get the shampoo half price – both come wrapped in a gift box.
Or, if you buy two products or one electrical item you’ll receive a free designer House of Holland clutch bag.
And if it’s something for Him you’re after, there’s this Label men’s gift set, priced at £24.45.
Plus don’t forget there’s a range of GHDs available to purchase in store.
Meanwhile, it’ll be hard to walk past Lush this Christmas without popping in store and stocking up on their goodies.
The store’s ‘Night Before Christmas’ set – priced at £10.95 is ideal for Secret Santa exchanges.
Or if you’re looking for something that’s extra special why not go for the ‘Stardust’ gift set, priced at £37.50 it contains some of the brand’s very popular Snow Fairy Range.
Does the lady in your life deserve an extra special treat? Maybe an advent calendar with a twist? Well, look no further than the ’12 Days of Christmas’ bundle filled with all the pampering treats she could wish for – priced at £67.50, this is super popular. Grab it while you can!
Over at Oasis there’s some gorgeous girly treats to make the perfect stocking fillers – including this dazzling hat and scarf twinkle set priced at £26 or these snug heart and strip socks priced at £7 – if’s sparkle they’re looking for what about this three set collection of pouches, priced at £25.
If it’s the perfect party outfit you’re looking for Oasis is the place to visit. We love this outfit the girls in store have put together. It’s a classic and would be a great addition to any wardrobe.
The Nottingham Lace Jacquard dress is priced at £60 and this stunning glitter sparkle envelope clutch is £20.
Complete the outfit with these scallop Estrella heels for £38. This look is available in store now.
If it’s a good pair of boots they’re after this Christmas – check out the latest collections at Deichmann. These Women’s Floral Embroidery Boot priced at £29.99 are both pretty and practical.
Don’t forget there’s plenty for the kids at Deichmann too, including these girl’s glitter high tops priced at £14.99.
And for the gents, these Venice men’s brown casual slip on boots would match with jeans and chinos and are the perfect choice for those looking for stylish and versatile footwear. Priced at £29.99, these are in store now – make sure you check them out.
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