KNUTSFORD’S Christmas celebrations will benefit from a budget boost this year to offer free workshops for families.

The town council’s events committee approved a £1,000 increase in budget and date change to offer people the chance to make their own lanterns at this year’s lantern parade.

At a meeting on Monday, September 19 councillors discussed plans to host the Christmas celebrations including the light switch on and market which will be on December 3, moving the crib service to December 10 to coincide with the lantern parade and St Cross Christmas Tree Festival.

Lisa Benskin, deputy clerk at Knutsford Town Council, said: “The Events Committee have made some changes to the Christmas Market for 2016 having listening to visitor feedback.

“As a result the Reindeer Parade will commence at 5pm on December 3, with the light switch on at approximately 6pm to halve the waiting time for those with small children."

So far, the markets have attracted 96 traders on the Saturday and 100 on the Sunday, which has given the council the opportunity to expand the event.

Lisa added: “New for 2016, we will also be turning Canute Place in a hot food, drink and entertainment hub on Saturday December 3, so that visitors can enjoy entertainment on the stage during the afternoon, whilst partaking in the various food and drink options available – from pizza to Mexican and beer to Prosecco.

“The Committee are also increasing the budget for the Lantern Parade which will take place on December 10 so that the popular feature lanterns from Handmade Parade can lead the parade again adding real wow factor and also to provide free lantern making workshops for local children to make their own lanterns which they can then use in the Parade.

“The Lantern Parade will commence from St Cross Church and will be followed by the Crib Service on Princess St.

“The Town Council will also be taking on the responsibility of organising the shop front Christmas Trees from the disbanded Promote Knutsford Forum.”

Due to last year’s bad weather, the crib service was moved from the Sunday of the market weekend to the following, which the town council said worked much better with the addition of the lanterns from the parade.

“It will make it a really nice family event,” added Lisa. “The town council is looking forward to this year’s festivities and hope that this year will be the best yet.”