Mayor days be merry and bright!

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Coun Suleman Khonat has chosen the photograph which is the focus of the annual Mayoral Christmas card, and it is a local landmark.

Corporation Park’s impressive main entrance gates and the towering central arch was captured bedecked with snow underneath the floodlights by local photographer Aneesa Sidat.

Part-time photographer and mum-of-two Aneesa has a portfolio of outstanding pictures of local landmarks and beauty spots. Aneesa was also one of the winners in the photography competition as part of the Knife Angel Lancashire project in 2021.

She was thrilled to find out that her wintry shot of the Grade II listed lodge at the entrance to Blackburn’s Corporation Park, snapped in 2021, had been chosen by the Mayor. Aneesa commented:

Blackburn has so many wonderful parks. I love scenic photography and enjoy taking pictures around the borough. People sometimes are surprised that my photos are taken locally.

When it began to snow I saw a perfect opportunity to capture this image. I’m over the moon that it has been chosen by the Mayor for his Christmas card this year.

Corporation Park holds a cherished position within the borough, as through the Grade II listed archway Aneesa photographed lies the Garden of Remembrance which plays a prominent role in the borough’s annual Remembrance Parade.

The Mayor Coun Suleman Khonat shared his reasons for choosing Aneesa’s image of the park photograph. He said:

There were many wonderful pictures to choose from but this particular one of Corporation Park stood out, both for its design and the intelligent way the photo was taken.

Corporation Park is a hugely important park within our borough and I think it looks wonderful on our annual Christmas card.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen sends Christmas greetings by post and also digitally to other mayors and civic representatives across Lancashire, as well as people right across the borough.