[Acrylic-bob]

One of the biggest problems to overcome in organizing anything of this kind, as the lovely Gayle will attest, is apathy. For that reason you have to be prepared to start small. Perhaps one street or group of neighbouring shops. Prove by example that it will work and then build around the nucleus every succeding year.

Major events evolve and grow out of small occurances. Think of the Oberamergau Passion Play. It started off with a half dozen locals enacting the key bits of the Passion story - now look at it! it is the same with the German Christmas Markets idea, it did not spring into existence fully-formed, huge and sparkling, but over time has grown and developed and become increasingly popular.

I can well understand Gayle's unwillingness to flog her guts out, yet again, to so little apparent profit. Getting anyone to do anything out of the ordinary is like trying to make water flow uphill.

That having been said though, I do strongly support the idea that little will change in Accrington unless the people of Accrington get off their backsides and make it happen. And, surely, that is the most important lesson bequeathed to us by our victorian forebears. Remember the old town Motto - Industry and Prudence Conquer, where 'industry' is meant in its most basic sense, that of getting busy.

Q. What is the most Victorian part of town?
A. Church Street and Warner Street. The Victorian Arcade, Little shops, A garden to use for a gathering space and all within sight of the Market Hall.
Call it the Church Street Winter Festival. Make a list of British Winter Traditions and from this form your attractions. Have two brass bands - so they can keep up the jollity for ages. Maybe you could also get St James' involved too.

The centre piece of the event is a massive Christmas Tree absolutely loaded to breaking with decorations and lights - not the paltry single stand normally used.

Keep it small, do it to a professional standard and everyone will go home happy and look forward to the next time.