THE countdown is on to the town’s much loved festive event.

Knutsford Christmas Market returns on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

More than 130 artisan traders will be selling a variety of items.

Local producers and crafts enthusiasts will offer plenty of gift ideas.

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The Saturday market runs from 12 noon to 7pm and coincides with the Christmas light switch on.

Knutsford Guardian: Families are expected to line the streets for Santa's festive paradeFamilies are expected to line the streets for Santa's festive parade (Image: Jonathan Farber)

A selection of street food will be available.

Cocktails, beers, mulled wine and coffee will also be on offer as visitors browse round the stalls.

Live music and performances start at 1pm on Saturday.

Knutsford Guardian: More than 130 artisan traders will be offering a selection of Christmas gift ideasMore than 130 artisan traders will be offering a selection of Christmas gift ideas (Image: Jonathan Farber)

Santa will be led through the streets at 5pm, from the bottom of King Street and processes up Minshull Street to Canute Place, where the mayor of Knutsford will light up the town.

Spectacular displays by the Travelling Light Circus LED light performers and City of Chester Brass Band are set to create a joyful festive atmosphere.

Families can visit Father Christ5mas in his grotto on Silk Mill Street from 12 noon until 4.30pm on Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

The grotto is kindly supported by CAFT and Knutsford Hosts, and a suggested £3 donation per child will be donated to CAFT.

Get Back Band Buskers and Knutsford Beats will present live music on Princess Street on Sunday.

Both groups will be raising money for various charities.