KNUTSFORD Mayor Cllr Peter Coan has thanked residents, businesses and visitors for making the Christmas Market Weekend such a ‘wonderful event’.

Cllr Coan helped Father Christmas switch on the town’s festive lights in a packed Canute Square following a well-supported street market and entertainment.

See our gallery of pictures by Jonathan Farber from the memorable weekend.

Cllr Coan said: “The thousands of visitors made the weekend such a wonderful two-day event in our town, which looked fantastic.

“It was great to see everyone there for the lights switch-on the turnout was incredible.

“It was fantastic to see the community all coming together, and it made me proud to stand there.

“A special thanks to the folks from The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust and Ivy Tree Cottage for staffing and decorating the grotto, to the Knutsford Lions and Knutsford Hosts for looking after the reindeer parade and the road closures.

“Thanks also to Bruntwood and Speedyfreight.”

The Christmas Market Weekend drew thousands of people, and one of the highlights of the weekend was the reindeer parade and the Christmas lights switch-on in Canute Place on Saturday.

A new feature this year was a park and ride from Booths Hall to provide a five-minute bus journey to the market to take the hassle out of getting into and out of the town.

Santa’s grotto was situated on Silk Mill Street, where children were greeted by Santa’s elves, who are helping to raise money for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

Canute Place was transformed into a mini arena between 1pm and 7pm on Saturday, offering entertainment from local musicians, dancers and community and school choirs.

Cllr Coan is looking forward to leading the Lantern Parade and Crib Service on Saturday.

He is inviting families to join him from 5pm to parade with their lanterns from The Barncroft (behind St Cross Church) via the Moor and down King Street and Princess Street, ending with the Crib Service outside Lost & Found.

The Crib Service will start at 5.40pm, and is being supported by local clergy and the choir of Yorston Lodge School.

Cllr Peter Coan said: “I’m looking forward to seeing Knutsford lit up with the amazing feature lanterns from Handmade Parade, and will enjoy seeing the Fox and Badger lanterns that local families made at our workshop. Please join us with your own lantern - everyone is welcome.”

For instructions on how to make your own lantern for the parade visit knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/christmas-in-knutsford