Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Josh Allen: December 2025
Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Josh Allen: December 2025
As we approach the end of 2025, it has been a pleasure to enjoy another month packed with incredible community spirit, festive cheer, and the warmth of our borough. I want to take a moment to thank all of you who invited myself and the Mayoress of Hyndburn to be part of your celebrations – this has been an extra special festive period so far!
The season is well and truly underway in Hyndburn, with no fewer than 11 light switch-ons taking place across the borough. I have had the pleasure of attending several switch-on events around our townships so far, including the very popular annual #AmazingAccrington event and the much-anticipated switch-on in my own hometown of Oswaldtwistle. Despite the heavy rain on some nights, the turnouts have been absolutely fantastic, and I was amazed at how the people of Oswaldtwistle, Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors, and beyond came out to celebrate. It really proves that nothing can dampen our community spirit!
A special mention must go to the Ossy Elves, who were out in force in Oswaldtwistle, providing hotdogs and sweet treats for the kids. It’s always great to see local groups giving back, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to making the night memorable.
I also had the privilege of attending the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Family Carol Service, which was a moving event that brought people together in the true spirit of Christmas. A big thank you to Lancashire Fire and Rescue for organising such a lovely service.
Another highlight was the Community Solutions North West Christmas Market in Church, where I was able to see the amazing work being done by local businesses and community groups. It was heartening to see so many people supporting one another in this festive season. In Great Harwood, I was also invited to the Christmas Extravaganza, and once again, I was so impressed by the festive atmosphere and the fantastic turnout. It’s always great to see our highstreets so full of life at this time of year.
At the end of November, we were delighted to attend the Great Harwood Lancashire Day celebration put on by the Great Harwood Civic Society and Great Harwood’s own Town Crier, Rawden Kerr. It’s amazing that Great Harwood has a group of people who are still working to keep these traditions alive, and it was an honour to be part of this day.
The Prospects Foundation’s Bullough Park Forest Fun Day was another wonderful day with something for the whole family to enjoy. Despite the wet weather, it was an absolute privilege to join the team and volunteers to help with their tree-planting campaign and bury a time capsule for future generations. Their dedication to improving our environment is inspiring, and we are all incredibly lucky to have such passionate people working in our borough. The Twilight event run by KSEvents at Rhyddings Park was also absolutely magical and it was great to see so many attend, even with the downpour! Well down to all involved.
This month also saw a visit to the East Lancashire Hospice, and I must say that I genuinely did not understand the full extent of what the hospice has to offer before this trip. It was great to see what the hospice has on offer and the dedication the staff are giving to this care facility is so impressive.
Finally, I was delighted to visit the Accrington Community Events’ Christmas Tree Festival and do the grand judging of the ‘best’ Christmas Tree – with Ynot Aspire taking first place this year!
Whilst we use this time of year to spend time with family, friends and loved ones, it’s also a time of year to remember those who are no longer with us, and think of those who will be mourning a loved one, especially if it’s for the first time.
I’d also like to personally offer my condolences to the family and friends of former Councillor and Mayor of Hyndburn Janet Storey, who sadly passed away recently. The Union Flag at Accrington Town Hall will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
It’s a time of year we think of those who maybe lonely or unable to be with family and it’s down to us as a community to reach out to those people and provide them with comfort and presence.
And lastly we think of and remember all those serving in our armed forces currently away from home and our emergency service personnel who will be spending Christmas out in the communities working. We thank you all
To all our residents, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you in 2026!