Stars shine as they turn on town’s lights (From Knutsford Guardian)

Stars shine as they turn on town’s lights

8:30am Wednesday 5th December 2012 in News By James Wilson

KNUTSFORD kicked off the Christmas season on Friday as thousands arrived in the town centre to see the lights switched on and enjoy the two-day market.

At 2pm on Friday the two-day Christmas market – held in the car park in Silk Mill Street – was opened by Knutsford town mayor Clr Vivien Davies.

Children and adults alike then waited for Father Christmas and his reindeer to head through the town at 6.30pm as the evening celebrations kicked off.

Organisers predicted that crowds were down slightly on last year as many braved the freezing, misty conditions.

Former Coronation Street actors Jennifer James and Lee Boardman – who played Geena and Jez – turned on the lights alongside High Legh bronze medal winning Paralympian Niki Birrell, Knutsford Royal May Queen Lakeisha Bradbury and Knutsford Town Mayor Clr Vivien Davies.

Clr Davies said: “I was delighted to be asked to open the Christmas market on the third year of it taking place.

“I understand that the allocation of stalls for this year’s market was filled well in advance and our thanks should go to Sarah Flannery, Kate Houghton and Catherine Firth, who has managed all the stall holder recruitment and budgeting.

“I hope the stallholders and their customers had a successful and enjoyable time.”

This year, to add some all-day fun to the festive weekend Knutsford Town Council arranged for children’s mini-fairground rides outside the old Town Hall, at the end of Princess Street.

The weekend was rounded off with the crib service on Sunday outside the old town hall.

To look at more photographs from the lights switch on and the weekend click on the link below.

http://northwichandwinsford.newsprints.co.uk/c/111393/knutsford_guardian