Thousands gathered to celebrate the start of the festive period in Wilmslow at the Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 16th November
Festivities kicked off with the Wilmslow Artisan Market at 10am, with a wide variety of local artisan products, including festive fare and gifts, whilst local businesses hosted food and drink pop-up stalls outside of their premises.
WFA's Erik Garner hosted the stage entertainment, with Wilmslow soloist Ruby kicking off proceedings at 2.45pm. Next to entertain the crowds were Wilmslow High School jazz band followed by Wilmslow High School choir, who got the audience in the festive spirit with their Christmas -themed songs.
Hundreds visited the Cairngorm reindeer – Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer, from the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland – outside Wilmslow High School. Then Santa and this year's sleigh ride competition winners joined the reindeer, who then paraded through crowd-lined streets to Wilmslow Leisure Centre.
Back at Bank Square, a Charity Christmas Card shop volunteer made a stage appearance to tell the audience about the charity shop in Wilmslow Library, then TEMPO performed songs from the musicals. Lacey Green Primary Academy followed with Christmas songs as the audience prepared for the lights switch-on countdown at 5pm.
Wilmslow Town Mayor thanked the community for turning out in force then Ultra Marathon runner and Wilmslow business owner Amy Hughes came on stage to join the audience in the big countdown and push the plunger, with the help of the competition winners.
Wilmslow Town Mayor, Councillor Tim Higgins, said, "Wilmslow Town Council are thrilled with the success of this year's event. It was heart-warming to see all ages of the community out in great numbers, enjoying time with friends and family.
"We have already had fantastic feedback about the sound, stage entertainment, new Christmas tree lights and the two giant light displays, but would invite other attendees to get in touch to share their thoughts on this year's event. Feedback helps the Town Council plan for future events.
"I would like to thank everyone who supported or attended the event – particularly Amy Hughes, Erik Garner and all of the stage performers. The involvement of so many people – volunteers, community groups, organisations, businesses and residents – is what makes Wilmslow's Christmas lights switch-on so special."
Wilmslow's Christmas lights switch-on is funded by Wilmslow Town Council in partnership with Wilmslow BID (Wilmslow's Way Better).
