The Rock Shopping Centre is ending its milestone 15th year with a new tradition: its first-ever Christmas Parade and Lights Switch-On.

Taking place on Saturday 8th November at 3:45pm. This festive celebration promises to light up the heart of Bury like never before, and you’re invited to take part.

With dazzling brand-new Christmas decorations and a community spirit to match, The Rock is calling on local schools, clubs, community groups, and creative individuals to help launch this magical event.

Whether you’re a dance troupe, a choir, a scout group, or just a bunch of festive enthusiasts, this is your chance to shine.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: “This is a truly special moment for us. After 15 fantastic years, we’re thrilled to be launching our first-ever Christmas Parade and Lights Switch-On. It’s a chance for the whole community to come together, celebrate, and light up Bury in a way we’ve never done before. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this an unforgettable event, and we’d love as many people as possible to be part of it.”

Participants will be eligible for Parade Awards in categories such as:

• Best Dressed Group
• Most Original Christmas Theme
• Best Use of Lights

Winners receive:

• A donation to their group or chosen charity
• A feature in The Rock’s newsletter and social media
• Priority placement in next year’s parade

All groups will receive certificates of participation, making this a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the season and be part of something special.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday 8th November 2025
• Time: Parade starts at 3:45pm
• Location: The Rock Shopping Centre (meeting point: side of Barclays)

How to Register:

To take part, simply email [email protected] with:

• Your group name and what you do
• How many people you’d like to bring
• What participating means to you

FAMILIES visiting The Rock Shopping Centre can enjoy all the fun of the fair for free this summer.

The shopping and leisure destination has unveiled a free fun fair installation to keep visitors entertained during the school holidays.

The fair which includes bowls, mini-golf, hoopla, a birthday-themed coconut shy and a bean bag throwing game is open daily, weather permitting.

On Wednesdays during August the funfair comes to life with carnival themed characters who’ll also be bringing along a special number 15 Buzz-Wire and hook a duck.

Visitors can pick up a score card from the event team and there’s treats on offer for top-scorers.

Located in the space in front of The Range, the funfair will be in situ until the end of August.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director of The Rock, said: “This year is The Rock’s 15^th birthday and we wanted to celebrate this summer with all the fun of the fair. This activation has been packed out since it opened at the start of August and the event days have been a huge success so far with hundreds of families getting involved. We’ve got two more live events on Wednesday 20^th and Wednesday 27^th August and the fair will be here until the end of the month. If you haven’t been along already, we’d love to see you!”

The waterballs, bungees and rides are back at The Rock for the summer, these paid attractions are separate to the funfair installation. The Rock’s free beach is also open daily, weather permitting.