SHIPLEY's Christmas lights switch-on will go ahead as planned this weekend - after urgent efforts were made to restore electricity.

The major festive celebration will take place in the town on Saturday. 

As reported by the Telegraph & Argus earlier this month, Shipley Town Council, which is organising the event, discovered electricity to four of the market's lighting columns had been switched off - as had power to a pavement socket that would have powered the Christmas tree lights.

At a meeting of Bradford Council's Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee, it emerged the electricity was shut off in preparation for a huge refurbishment of the Market Square next year.

One of the Council's top engineers apologised for the problem and assured councillors he would work to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Joe Ashton, clerk to Shipley Town Council, has now confirmed the problem has been sorted out. 

He said: "Bradford Council's engineers have erected a temporary electricity supply and the lights have now been tested and are working.  

"We are looking forward to the switch-on as planned."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Our street lighting team has installed a temporary feed that will allow the Christmas tree and festive decorations to be illuminated.

"The lights are being installed by our festival lighting team who will check to make sure everything is all good to go for the big switch-on this weekend."

The festive event will start at 12pm on Saturday. 

Some of the free activities will include Santa Claus and face-painting in the Underground Market, story-telling and magicians in Shipley Library, and wreath-making in the newly-refurbished Hive centre. 

There will also be a carousel outside Shipley Library and street entertainment.

An outdoor market will include a range of stalls. 

Meanwhile, crafting organisation, Activity Den, will hold a festive market and an elf workshop between 3pm and 6pm, and a cinema screen will show a classic Christmas film at 3pm and 5.30pm. Pre-booking is required for the workshop and the film. Tickets are £2 for children and free for adults.

Christmas carols will take place from 4pm ahead of the festive lights being switched on at 4.45pm.

A Christmas tree festival will follow at St Paul's Church from 5pm.

Councillor Mike Farren, chair of Shipley Town Council's community engagement committee, said: "Every year we look forward to the festive light switch-on as there's such a fantastic atmosphere in the town centre."

For more details on the event, visit www.shipleytowncouncil.gov.uk