HUNDREDS of people gathered at The Rock Shopping Centre for a community concert which saw the Christmas lights switched on by four local heroes.

Gill Smith, the founder of Radcliffe Litter Pickers, David Yates, Headteacher at Tottington High School, and Jennifer Hindle and Jennifer Heywood of Topping Fold Community Centre, were chosen to turn on the Christmas lights following The Rock’s campaign to find local heroes for the job.

The concert took place on Saturday 9^th November, running from 3pm-5pm. The shopping centre joined forces with Roch Valley Radio to pull together the special festive event which brought the people of Bury together.

The event featured groups from the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop, Bury Music Service and performers who have been supported by Liv’s Trust. The Rock’s partner charity Secret Garden – Hoyles Park attended and ran a teddy tombola and glitter tattoo station which raised £392 for the cause.

The concert took place on a stage in St John’s Square, in front of The Range.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock said: “This year’s Christmas concert was all about shining a spotlight on the people of Bury. From our local heroes to our local talent, our switch on was a great day showcasing the very best of Bury. The event was a huge success and really does kick start of the Christmas trading period for The Rock. We are so grateful to everyone who was involved and helped make the day a success.”

The switch on event was free to attend and marks the beginning of the Christmas season for The Rock.  The shopping centre has already announced it will host a FREE Santa’s Grotto from 30^th November and the Rock Express land train will return in December.