KNUTSFORDIANS braved freezing temperatures as the town celebrated Christmas in style.

Thousands of residents poured into the town on Thursday to witness the light switch-on and to sample the first ever Knutsford Christmas market.

England and Everton defender Phil Jagielka pushed the plunger that saw the lights in Canute Place turned on and he was joined on stage by the cast of Dick Whittington, including Rowetta from X Factor and pop star Andy Scott-Lee.

Choirs from St Vincent’s Primary School and Bexton Primary School sang for the assembled choir, with Mereside Brass Band providing the music.

Money raised from the event will be donated to the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, based in Millington.

The market was officially opened by two of its patrons, Jennifer James and Lee Boardman.

Stallholders, plus Knutsford’s shops, enjoyed a bumper Thursday as shoppers and excited children swarmed the streets.

Sarah Flannery, who helped to organise the market along with Kate Houghton, said the event had boosted the town’s economy.

“A lot of people ran out of things and I think people were really thrilled by it,” she said.

“I was speaking to one of the craft stalls and she said that it was one of the best that she had been too.

“Kate and I believe it was a good thing for Knutsford and it was good for the town council to see that it was well supported. I loved it, I really did.”

Clr Peter Coan, Knutsford Town Mayor, said the town had risen to the occasion.

“We’ve had a magnificent response to this event,” he said.

“Knutsford Town Council had been considering a market since the beginning of the year and we were delighted that Sarah and Kate came on board. These markets are a great way for small towns to attract visitors and local businesses benefit with the added people coming into town.”

Kate Houghton added: “I’ve certainly had an indication from the mayor regarding next year.

“It wasn’t the case of being a profit-making event but it was to give something to the people of Knutsford and try and bring people into the town – and for a first event I think it went very well.”

You can buy and view all of the Guardian pictures taken on the night by clicking on the Buy a Photo link above.