KNUTSFORD Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner switched on the town’s Christmas lights on Friday to help create ‘some of the magic we all need at Christmas’.

The normal switch-on and entertainment was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and just after 6pm Cllr Gardiner went onto Canute Square with his husband to meet the town clerk, electricians and a small film crew to perform the switch-on.

He said: “Ever since I moved to Knutsford 17 years ago I have seen the lights switch-on as the start of Christmas in the town.

“With a few exceptions I have attended every year since, and occasionally played more than a small role in planning the event.

“Some 11 years ago I was even on the stage, when the then Chancellor did the honours of switching the lights on. That event drew several thousand spectators to Canute Place.

“How very different Friday’s switch-on was compared to my last time as Mayor. It was witnessed by a few shoppers as they came out of Sainsbury’s, and a couple of residents who braved the chill to stand on the balconies on their apartments which overlook the Square.

“Coronavirus may have stopped the town council from hosting the wonderful entertainment-filled events of years past, but it hasn’t stopped Christmas.

"Having the lights festooned along the streets and making the tree in Canute Place sparkle will enable us to maintain some of that magic we all need at Christmas. This year it is particularly important, when there have been so many added problems and stresses for us to face.

“However you are spending the festive season this year may the love which is the true meaning of Christmas fill your homes and be with you and those who are most special to you.

“Finally let us hope that 2021 is the antidote to all that 2020 has proved to be.”