BINGLEY is set for a celebration at its Christmas Fair and Lights Switch On as it continues to bounce back from last year’s floods.

Snowboarding, Blackpool donkeys and a Bradford City legend will all be part of a free day of activities in Bingley Market Square, Main Street, on Saturday, from 10am.

The Christmas lights will by switched on at 4.30pm by former Bradford City striker John Hendrie, with a guest appearance by the club’s mascot, Billy Bantam.

The big day always draws thousands to the town to join in the fun, with organisers saying it will be a real celebration after the town fell victim to the Boxing Day floods last year.

Howard Martin, honorary president of Bingley Chamber of Trade & Commerce, which organised the event, said: “It is a real day of celebration for Bingley after what it’s been through with the floods.

“It is our biggest event. We have never had a waiting list for stalls before. There is an enthusiasm for it, people are getting behind it.

“We are glad that people can have a really good day and don’t have to spend any money.

“It is all about giving something back to Bingley.

“We suffered last year with our Christmas Fair, it was a wash-out in terms of the weather.

“The event is undertaken solely by Bingley Chamber of Trade. It costs a few thousand pounds and we don’t get any funding.

“The Christmas event is always a celebration for Bingley.”

The event will also include free rides and attractions for children as well as the chance to visit Santa in his grotto.

An outdoor market stacked with seasonal food and drink will also be on offer as well as a Christmas-themed indoor market taking place in Bingley Arts Centre.

Mr Hendrie, who played for Bradford City between 1984 and 1988, scoring 46 goals in 173 appearances, said he was delighted to be joining in the festivities.

He said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be switching on the Christmas lights in Bingley.

“It will be good to do it with Billy Bantam, he is my strike partner these days.

“I have lived around here for the majority of my life.

“The community in Bingley has had a rough year, so it will be a good event.

“It is good for the local community to come together for something like this.

“It is nice to see them come together.”

Meanwhile, Saltaire will switch on its Christmas lights on Sunday, between 4pm and 6.30pm, at Victoria Hall, Victoria Road.

The free event will feature a number of stalls, Christmas carols, a craft corner and music from the Hall Royd Brass Band and Reuben and Ruth, and the Wurlitzer organ.

Visitors will be given a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.