Corrie star lights up xmas fun day

Date published: 23 November 2009

Coronation Street actress Vicky Binns is the star of Radcliffe Christmas Fun Day and Dog Show on Saturday (Nov 28).

Tottington-born Vicky, who plays Molly in the legendary TV show, will officially turn on the Christmas lights in the town’s Piazza.

All the family are invited to the fun day, which features a packed programme of events from noon until to 5pm.

Entertainment will feature a brass band, samba band, carol singing and the Radcliffe dance-off contestants. There are also festive gift stalls including pet gifts and a tombola.

There's lots to keep the little ones entertained, with Lorenzo the Clown and his dog Kip, a puppet show, Father Christmas in Radcliffe Market Hall, face painting and children's fairground rides. And there are competitions with “Spot the Dog” and Letter Hunt - prizes include an iPod shuffle and a life size cuddly old English sheepdog!

Highlight of the afternoon, which is organised by the Radcliffe Traders Group and Bury Council’s town centres team, is the "Scrufts" Radcliffe Dog Show. This boasts a best dog fancy dress competition, best owner fancy dress, and best dog and owner fancy dress. Winners will take home trophies and rosettes, and win free training sessions, a bumper pack of dog food and goody bags. Entries will be taken on the day, at £4 each.

Dog-owners can bring their pet and meet heroic working dogs and Pets As Therapy dogs, or have them pampered by a dog groomer.

Anyone who wondered what their pooch was thinking can find out, thanks to dog behaviour demonstrations. The Dogs Trust is also giving out 50 free micro-chips, outside the Civic Hall.

And at 4.30pm, don't miss Vicky Binns who will switch on the Christmas tree lights.

A programme of events can be downloaded from www.bury.gov.uk/radcliffe

All money raised from this year’s event will go to Bury Hospice.

The mini dog show this year is a warm-up for a planned Radcliffe dog show next summer as part of an ongoing programme of events for the town.

Ruth Shedwick of the council’s town centres team said: "Working closely with the Radcliffe Traders Group and market traders to promote Radcliffe, we have arranged a great line up of musical and dance entertainment, competitions, and fun for all the family.

“With the introduction of the new "Scrufts" fun dog show including best dog and owners fancy dress, Lorenzo the clown and of course Santa's Grotto in the market, this year’s Christmas Fun Day promises to be even bigger and better than before.

“We are delighted to have top Coronation Street star Vicky Binns to switch on the Christmas tree lights this year in Radcliffe and we expect an excellent turn out."

Further details: Liz Gillan, town centres co-ordinator, on 0161 253 5974 or email e.gillan@bury.gov.uk