FESTIVE shoppers turned out to the Radcliffe plaza for a first-time Christmas market and annual light switch-on.

Visitors to the town centre square on Sunday perused the various stalls and chimed in with an hour-long chorus of Christmas carols, led by Besses Boys' Band.

From 11am, the plaza outside the Bridge Tavern was taken over with craft stalls, artisan food, and children’s activities — all in aid of Trewan Sands Children’s Trust who provide holidays and day trips for disabled and terminally ill children.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Jane Black, switched on the festive lights at 3.30pm.

Charity trustee Louise Dawson said: "It was a fantastic day. We want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers, staff and the regulars at the Bridge Tavern, DJ Wayne Clarke and DJ Oz for donating their time, to representatives from Bury Council, all the stallholders, Besses Boys' Band, and of course, the Radcliffe community for coming together and making it a huge success.

"We also want to thank Cllr Rhyse Cathcart for arranging our Radcliffe Christmas lights."

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents out supporting their local community and a Bury charity that does so much for children with disabilities and their families.

“It was great to see the spirit of Radcliffe once again.

“There were lots of market stalls to browse, a disco, bouncy castle, and mulled wine.”