The festive season officially kicked off in Wilmslow this evening as hundreds of people flocked to the town centre to see the Christmas lights switched on by Simon Gregson, best known as Steve McDonald from Coronation Street.
Simon was joined on stage by his youngest son Harry and announced to the crowd that his wife Emma, who is expecting their third child, had gone into labour this morning but expected they probably had another 24 hours to go.
They were assisted in turning on the lights by Father Christmas, Summer, 5, and Oliver, 7, - winners of a colouring competition from St Annes Fulshaw Primary School.
Thankfully the rain stopped just in time and families wrapped up warm to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Crowds lined the streets to watch Santa proceed through the town centre on his sleigh drawn by a flock of reindeer. He was joined on the sleigh by Summer and Oliver and the parade was led by members of the Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company, who sang Christmas carols along the way.
They made their way to Banks Square where the crowds had gathered for the entertainment, which included performances from Wilmslow Rock Choir and the choirs from Wilmslow High School and St Anne's Primary School.
Earlier in the day the Market Co organised a special Christmas Market in the Library Gardens, bringing together a selection of regular favourites from the monthly Artisan Market as well as a host of new traders offering a selection of gifts alongside festive food and drinks.
This event was organised by Wilmslow Council and compered by Wilmslow resident Erik Garner of Wilmslow Football Academy.
