Northern Lights - The Story of the Heckmondwike Illuminations

Mark Smith of Leeds Media Services has just completed work on Northern Lights - The Story of the Heckmondwike Illuminations.  Heckmondwike, one of the first towns in the country to have illuminations, first celebrating the opening of the market and then celebrating Christmas from 1885 - making 2010 the 125th anniversary of the illuminations.

The documentary explores how the illuminations started and the impact they had on Heckmondwike. It highlights parallels with the now world famous Blackpool illuminations and features interviews with Kim Strickson of Kirklees council, local artist Shakila Mumtaz and Blackpool based historian and writer Terry Regan. Including news cuttings, images and photographs the documentary charts the illuminations from the early days through their heydays in the 1920's, 30's 40's and 50's and finishing with 2010's Christmas lights switch on.

To view the documentary and to find out more information please visit www.heckmondwike.info.