Hundreds join Coronation Street's Katie McGlynn and John Altman from Eastenders for Christmas Street Festival

A lively samba band led the lantern parade

Excited children carrying almost 200 lanterns paraded through the streets led by a samba band to launch the feast of family fun.

Around 200 children from local primary schools led a parade carrying their homemade lanterns

Pupils from local primary schools created the lanterns in workshops with artist Russell Kirk.

The mayor of Winsford Cllr Ailsa-Gaskill led a lantern parade with hundreds of children from local primary schools

Town mayor Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones and junior mayor Caitlin Smith switched on the Christmas lights with a number of celebrities appearing in Peter Pan at Northwich Memorial Court.

Panto stars from Peter Pan will be performing at Northwich Memorial Court from December 8 to January 3

Katie McGlynn who plays Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street, John Altman, 'nasty' Nick Cotton from Eastenders and local actor Ryan Gleaves pushed the button as crowds cheered.

The panto stars appeared in their colourful costumes, Katie as Tinker Bell, John as Captain Cook and Ryan as Mr Smee.

Panto stars John Altman, Nick Cotton from Eastenders appeared as Captain Cook and Katie McGlynn, Sinead Tinker from Coronation Street as Tinker Bell

Street entertainers, carol singers, a Christmas market, live musicians, a funfair and performers from Barnton Circus added to the festive atmosphere.

Performers from Barnton Circus created a carnival atmosphere as they staged aerial stunts in the street

Town clerk Mark Bailey said: "We were spared the rain and everyone seemed to have a great time. The Old High Street was packed with people, creating a wonderful atmosphere."

Street entertainers created fun and excitement

Throughout the evening, Father Christmas did a roaring trade.

A Christmas market offered lots of gift ideas

Local musicians and students from the Winsford Academy performed some favourite Christmas numbers, assisted by local acts including Fancy Feet Dance, Purple Tones, The Hanami Family and Golty Farabeau.

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Local musicians performed

Singers entertained the crowd

There was lots of live music

A selection of food was available

A spectacular fireworks display celebrated the grand finale.

Fireworks lit up the sky

The winner of this year’s Best Dressed Window competition, chosen by the Winsford Town Mayor, was Georgina’s Incredible Blooms on the old High Street.

The mayor of Winsford Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones and junior mayor Caitlin Smith presents Georgina Lockett of Georgina's Incredible Blooms with first prize in the Best Dressed Window competition

The event is made possible thanks to a number of partners working together, including Winsford Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, local CWAC councillors, Winsford Cross Shopping Centre management, local churches, Cheshire Police and Sharlands Fair.