Christmas comes early to the Valley

Christmas festivities are in full swing throughout the Derwent Valley with "Carols By Candlelight" lighting up the New Norfolk Esplanade last night and today's Christmas Parade and fair in High Street New Norfolk thrilling people young and old. 

Warm conditions last night saw one of the biggest turnouts at the carols for some time. 

Host Dorian Broomhall backed by the Derwent Valley Concert Band and singers Grace Ovens, Rebecca Oliver-Black, and the St Brigid's School choir thrilled the crowd singing everyone's favourite Christmas carols before Santa made a surprise visit. 

Today's annual Christmas Parade which has been running since 2015 was also held in warm and sunny conditions backed by the Rotary Clubs Christmas Fair with the parade featuring many locals, businesses, community groups and schools. 

Specially prepared floats or cars were standouts blaring sirens and horns and Christmas music whilst lots of people in various costumes were also singing and dancing their way down High St. Both sides of the Street were packed with adults and children of all ages who were again keen to catch another glimpse of Santa before he headed back to the North Pole for his final Christmas preparations. 

Out of around 30 floats registered the judges crowned the Derwent Valley Beekeepers the best entry in the parade with St Brigid's Catholic School runners up followed by The New Norfolk Scouts. 

This annual celebration is a highlight of a year and it wouldn't happen without the efforts of the many dedicated passionate volunteers. Local businesses and community groups all step up with the backing of the Derwent Valley Council, New Norfolk Lions Club and the Derwent Valley Rotary Club to make this an unforgettable Christmas celebration which always brings New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley together at this special time of the year. 

The Ouse Community Carols will also be held tomorrow at the Ouse Country Club at 9 Tor Hill Road which starts at 2 pm.