CHILDREN are invited to come and meet Santa before he performs the big switch-on in Knutsford.

A child’s visit to Knutsford Christmas Market wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see Santa and his elves.

Situated on Silk Mill Street, Santa’s grotto will be open throughout the Christmas Market, closing before the reindeer parade at 5pm on December 1 to allow Santa to prepare his reindeer and sleigh before arriving in Canute Place to switch on the new Christmas lights.

Tony Riley of Ivy Cottage Tree Farm, supplier of the town’s shop front Christmas trees, has agreed to help decorate the grotto this year, donating a Christmas tree and decorations.

The grotto will raise funds for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, which provides a variety of programmes for terminally-ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the north west.

Tony said: “We are very pleased to support Knutsford Town Council and, of course, Father Christmas in their efforts to raise funds for such a great charity.

“Every child deserves to have a magical Christmas, and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust do a great job of trying to ensure that is the case.”

Ivy Cottage Tree Farm, Cheshire's biggest grower of Christmas trees, is encouraging residents to buy Christmas trees direct.

It is based on Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, and will be open seven days a week from November 20.

The Christmas market takes place on Saturday, December 1, from midday to 7pm and Sunday, December 2, from 11am to 4pm, and is a traditional, family-friendly festive street market with an array of Cheshire’s finest artisan foods, handmade crafts and gift ideas.

Visit the Town Mayor’s stall on the Saturday to help raise funds for Friends of the Moor, Knutsford Heritage Centre, Knutsford Community First Responder Trust and The Welcome.

Tickets are £2, and you could win 120 products donated by the stallholders.

Canute Place will be transformed on Saturday, December 1, from 1pm to 7pm into a mini arena with hot food, drinks and live entertainment.

Local musicians, dancers and community/school choirs will bring festive cheers to the town ready for the big switch-on at 6pm.