​Bury Stars – bringing Light and Hope this December

More than 700 stars have been decorated and displayed across the borough to thank each volunteer who came forward to support local communities during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The stars are fitting symbols for the light of hope that they have brought to people, such as those who were shielding, and also symbolise the best in people during periods of darkness.

Councillor David Jones, cabinet member for communities and emergency planning, said: “This year, more than ever, our communities have shown the resilience and spirit which makes our borough the great place that it is. Hundreds of people responded to a call to assist the Community Hubs, an amazing if not surprising response given the spirit of our towns. We thank every one of them and their wider network of support. They’ve all been stars in 2020 and I’d encourage you to shout about friends, family members, neighbours, colleagues and key workers who have brought you light and hope this year.”

The volunteer stars can be found throughout the borough, including:

• Prestwich Library – from which ‘click and collect’ services are available

• Trust House and Morrisons in Whitefield

• Radcliffe Market

• Bury Market

• Castle Leisure Centre – now reopened

• Morrisons and Bridge Street, Ramsbottom.

You can get involved by decorating or designing your own star. A template is available at www.bury.gov.uk/burystars or you can pick up at template at:

• Village Greens in Prestwich

• Olive’s Kitchen, Bolton Street, Bury

• Radcliffe Library

• Ramsbottom Library.

Display your stars in your windows or return it to any of the borough’s libraries from which they will be collected and displayed publically.

Continuing on the theme of light and hope, and on the back of the success of the Head for the Hills event last weekend which had 35,000 interactions, a community stream takes place this Sunday.

Bury Choral Society and Bloco Ashe have recorded special performances which will be broadcast via the Bury Town of Culture social media channels this Sunday, 13 December, at 7pm. With many events not being able to take place to physical audiences at this time of year, these streams provide an opportunity for some entertainment to brighten up a December Sunday evening, with a further stream to follow on 20December.

Bury Town of Culture can be found on Facebook and Twitter – search for and follow @BuryCulture

Cllr Jane Black, cabinet member for the cultural economy, said: “Culture, through the arts and music, have played such a vital role in promoting positive wellbeing during the pandemic. While we immensely look forward to the return of live entertainment with physical audiences, we’re pleased to be able to share some of the borough’s creativity to spread some light this December. I’ll be decorating stars for my window, and encourage you all to join me.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 December 2020.