THOUSANDS are expected to descend on the streets of Knutsford for the fun-filled festive Christmas Weekend. 

A jolly line-up of events have been organised to take place this Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30.

As well as the popular Christmas Market and Christmas Lights Switch, the annual crib service will be held on Sunday at 4pm outside the Old Town Hall. 

Mereside Brass will be performing five Christmas Carols chosen by the Knutsford Town Mayor Clr Neil Forbes and everyone is welcome to join in the short service and carol singing. 

Following the blessing of the crib, the new lighting display on the trees outside the Old Town Hall will be switched on. 

“The new display looks fantastic and will be a great culmination to the Christmas weekend” said Tony Dean, Chairman of the council events committee.

“The Christmas Weekend is a highlight of the town calendar and we hope that everyone has a great time.”

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RADIO and TV presenter Mark Radcliffe will be doing the honours of switching on Knutsford’s Christmas lights this year.

The DJ of BBC Radio 2 fame will take to the stage for the big reveal on Saturday evening.

Silk 106.9 FM will also return to present the evening, which will feature acts such as Rock Choir Knutsford, LIPA 4:19, Tatton Singers, Rokit Performing Arts, local band Three Wise Men, school choirs as well as the under 16s category winner of Knutsford has the Talent Factor.

Lisa Benskin, deputy town clerk, said: “We are really excited about this year’s event and have a great line up of entertainment. Santa, the Mayor and Royal May Queen will all be on stage to help switch on the lights with our special guest, Mark Radcliffe.

“We are working alongside Knutsford based Event Buddha this year who will be adding some special Christmas Magic to Canute Place.”

The entertainment runs from 4pm until 7pm with the actual switch on around 6:30pm.

Santa and his reindeer will parade up King Street at 4pm, heading along into Minshull Street and finally Canute Place where Santa will greet the children. His reindeer, getting ready for the big day, will be held in a pen on Canute Place to enjoy the entertainment on stage.