CHRISTMAS celebrations in Knutsford will last a whole weekend this year after the success of the one-day market held in 2010.

After the success of the Regent Street market last year, volunteer organisers Sarah Flannery and Kate Houghton, along with Knutsford Town Council, have announced a bumper programme at the beginning of December.

A two-day market – sponsored by Booths – will take place on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, with the traditional crib service taking place on Sunday, December 4 on Princess Street at 4pm.

Two marquees – containing 30 stalls each – will be set up on the car parks on Silk Mill Street together with stalls outside the Old Town Hall, formerly Allen and Appleyard.

One of the town’s traditional highlights, the King Street parade with Father Christmas and his reindeer will take place on the Friday at 6.30pm, with the town’s lights being turned on by Jessica Pottle, Knutsford’s Royal May Queen for 2011, and town mayor Clr Stewart Gardiner later on in the evening at 7.15pm.

The market will open from 1pm until 9pm on Friday and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

Sarah told the Guardian the event was able to grow this year thanks to the backing of both the town council and Booths.

“The fact that Booths has supported it has meant their contribution has allowed us to bring in the marquees,” she added.

“The event isn’t about making a profit for anyone as any money raised will be ring fenced and put back into events in the future.”

In order to set the market up, Silk Mill Street car park will be closed from the afternoon on Thursday, December 1, until Sunday, December 4, when the marquees have been taken down.

For more information about taking a stall at the market please email Karen Lamb on k.lamb.123@btinternet.com.