24
Nov
Your guide to Bright Friday — Knaresborough's community antidote to Black Friday
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You are probably aware that it’s Black Friday next week. But did you know about the alternative event — Bright Friday — that takes place in Knaresborough every year on the same day?
Bright Friday was established by Knaresborough Town Council in 2016 as the antidote to the excessive consumerism of Black Friday.
It’s about celebrating community, local businesses and the true spirit of Christmas.
Bright Friday centres around two main activities: a light parade from the war memorial in the castle grounds to Market Place, which symbolically lights the way to the Christmas tree.
This is followed by a visit by Father Christmas to officially switch-on the Christmas tree lights at 6.30pm.
Huge crowds gathered for the Christmas lights switch-on.
There will also be a free, family-friendly lantern-making workshop at Gracious Street Methodist Church earlier in the day, giving children the chance to craft their own lanterns to carry in the parade.
Live festive music, including carols, will be provided by The Orb House Band, Knaresborough Choral Society and Knaresborough Silver Band throughout the night. Numerous other community groups also help contribute..
Bright Friday has become a cherished part of the town’s festive calendar, along with events such as the two-day Christmas market, late night shopping on December 12 and 19 and the Christmas tree festival.
Town and county councillor Hannah Gostlow, who came up with the Bright Friday name and is one of the key organisers, said:
We wanted to create an event that counters the negative aspects of Black Friday and celebrates the start of Knaresborough’s vibrant festive season with a joyful, community-focused celebration.
Having seen the sheer amount of work and collaboration that goes into this community event each year, I wanted to capture its essence. Renaming it Bright Friday felt like the perfect reflection.
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This year’s event will also showcase Knaresborough Town Council’s new community trailer stage, which is a mobile stage equipped with sound and lighting systems, seating, and signage. Led by Councillors James Pickard and Mark Flood, the stage provides a resource for local groups and events.
Due to road closures on the night, visitors should use either Conyngham Hall Car Park if travelling in from Harrogate, or the York Place Car Park if coming off the motorway.
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