Community putting 'pride back into town' with events in Atherton

On Friday, December 2, pupils across Atherton's ten primary schools lined the streets as part of the annual Nativity parade.

Organised by Atherton's Carnival Committee, pupils and their families walked through the streets of Atherton accompanied by music from Tyldesley Brass Band.

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Knocking on a pub to see if there's any room in the inn (Image: Catherine Lane)

Complete with donkeys, carol singing, and knocking on pub inns, the parade travelled from the Wheatsheaf Pub to Atherton Parish Church where the nativity play is performed.

Brian Seddon, Chair of the Carnival Committee, said: "The parade was a really superb event with every school getting involved.

"The church was rammed full and it was brilliant to see everyone there and enjoying themselves.

"Mrs. Parkinson from Meadowbank School helps us to set it up, and all the kids seemed to love it."

The nativity show inside Atherton Parish Church (Image: Catherine Lane)

In addition to the nativity parade, Atherton Business Partnership organised their annual Christmas Markets on Saturday, December 10.

With Father Christmas in attendance to bring in the festive spirit, more than 50 stalls took up shape along Market Street, including food, drink, gifts, and crafts.

Atherton's Christmas Markets, on Market Street (Image: Reg Eglinton)

Brian added: "It's been really great to see the things happening in Atherton recently.

"There have been events on for all ages, and I think it's really boosted footfall and trade in the town.

"It's putting a little bit of pride back into the town and helping that community spirit that seems to be present in Atherton at the moment."

Father Christmas at the markets (Image: Reg Eglinton)