IT was Frozen in Shaw for the annual Christmas Lights switch-on but cold couldn’t prevent a successful entrance into the festive season.
It was the culmination of an afternoon of entertainment and activities for young, old and everyone in between.
Youngsters were certainly excited to see Santa Claus who swapped the North Pole for Shaw and Crompton Royal British Legion to hand out traditional ho, ho ho’s and the more importantly, presents.
Indeed, there were long queues at Playhouse 2 for the golden tickets that got eager kids in to see Father Christmas.
Santa kicked things off with an arrival on his sleigh quickly followed by another festive tradition, the appearance of Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.
Compering the event from the main stage was vocalist and comedienne Jackie Dijon as craft and charity stalls did a brisk business despite the falling temperatures.
At the opposite end of Market Street, past the fairground rides, the donkey rides proved a popular attraction.
But the hundreds who converged on the town centre were never too far from being entertained.
Hope Street Church led the carol singing while Buckstones School dance group, St Joseph’s School choir and Rebecca Flemming dance school showed off their vocal and dancing skills to proud family members.
ML 3, Matt Lees and the Shaw Ukulele Group and Strings with Livi Stott added to the free spectacle while in between acts, cafes did brisk turnover as spectators looked for a warming brew.
Free mulled wine and mince pies also proved popular at the Legion on Newtown Street.
And it certainly began to feel like Christmas after the count down to the lights turn on.