FLOOD-hit communities are hoping major events will put them back on the map for all the right reasons.
A series of events are planned in parts of Calderdale which were affected by the floods this summer.
From Brighouse to Elland to Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge, there will be community-led events including the Valley of Lights Festival and the Totally Locally markets.
The major events get underway this weekend with the Brighouse Totally Locally market and Christmas Lights switch-on this Saturday, running all day in the town centre.
There will be 60 stalls selling locally grown and produced goodies as well as entertainment from school choirs and a visit from Father Christmas.
David Tankard, from The Flower Garden in Brighouse – one of the event organisers – said: “We hope that this will be a magical day for all of the family.
“The response from businesses throughout the region has been fantastic and it’s a pleasure to welcome yet more new stall holders to Brighouse for our festive market.”
The same day in Todmorden the three-night Valley of Lights Festival gets underway with the same festival arriving into Hebden Bridge on November 29 and Mytholmroyd on December 1.
The free Festival of Lights includes fire, music, parades, bikes, boats, markets, shops and much more.
Organisers say lights will illuminate the towns with lantern parades, a 200 bike light ride, huge fire and light sculptures and illuminate barges.
There will also be canal side night markets at each event selling specialist local food, drink, crafts and gifts into the evening, all made and produced from the Upper Calder Valley.
Chris Sands, from event organisers Totally Locally, said: “The Valley of Lights is unique in that, as a response to the terrible flooding in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden, people have fallen over themselves to support it.
“The performers, artists and sculptors, many whom are world renowned, all live in the valley and are creating huge spectacular events, for way below what they would normally charge.
“Communities and volunteers are helping in every way, and it all goes to show how much they love the place they live.”
On Sunday, November 25, Elland will be the centre of attention with residents invited to join the town’s ‘homemade’ Christmas party at Berties on Brook Street in the town centre from 11am until late afternoon.
As well as a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeers there will entertainment from choirs, a swing band and the chance to buy truly home-grown gifts.
Then on December 2 Sowerby Bridge hosts its Christmas food and craft market.
There will be more than 50 stalls from Sushi to hog roast and handmade crafts and locally sourced gifts.
Andrea Mellor, of the Deli Belge, said: “Entertainment throughout the day will include Santa in his vintage bus grotto and carols by lantern light, by the way there will definitely be snow in Sowerby Bridge on the day.”
