Saturday, 25th November saw the return of the very popular annual Gannow Christmas Cracker held at BPRCVS’ Gannow Community Centre in Burnley.

Over the years it has become one of the best early Christmas celebration events for families in Burnley with hundreds joining in the festivities. This year was no different with over one hundred visitors to the centre for a Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto, activities for children, and a tombola and raffle with some fabulous prizes.

Around forty children had the pleasure and excitement of visiting Santa in his Grotto and telling him what they wanted for Christmas. The joy of Christmas on children’s faces makes this event all the more worthwhile. Each child was given a present to take home and put under their tree.
Several popular children’s characters made an appearance too with Elsa and Olaf from Frozen joining in the fun and festivities, and a Christmas Elf even managed to escape Santa’s workshop for a few hours to make an appearance.

The Christmas market always proves popular with visitors as it provides a chance to buy some unique Christmas gifts not available in high street shops. All stalls at the market were local people selling their own homemade and handmade wares from bath bombs and jewellery, to wood carvings and sweets – there was something for everyone. A number of stalls were linked to charitable organisations too, so many purchases made were supporting important causes.

The tombola and raffle, along with the café serving hot drinks, hot dogs and other light refreshments raised almost £400 which will be split into £200 to support the Health & Wellbeing for Children & Families service at BPRCVS, and £200 to support the continued operation of the Community Café at Gannow Community Centre.

The event organiser, Michelle Walker of BPRCVS, said of the Cracker, “We had a fantastic turn out. The community of Gannow and the wider Burnley area really do come together to help others and I am proud to be a part of the BPRCVS family that works tirelessly to help people help others”.
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Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Services (BPRCVS) would like to extend its thanks to the eight wonderful volunteers who assisted staff at the event. It wouldn’t have been possible without their support, and the support of Gannow Big Local too who helped to fund the Gannow Christmas Cracker.