A big turnout is expected in Congleton town centre on Friday 25 November for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. With the High Street closed to traffic, the fun starts at 4pm and continues until 8pm with the big switch on at 6pm.
Congleton Town Council with the support of Congleton Community Projects and Mark’s Events is promising an evening full of entertainment and some much needed Christmas cheer. The emphasis this year will be on free family fun with the option to buy local and support local groups if people wish to spend.
Rachel McCarthy, Town Centre and Events Officer said: “We are delighted to be able to spread the Christmas spirit with residents and visitors through the annual lights switch-on event. We hope everyone can join us for festive entertainment for the whole family. Meet the beautiful and cared for Cairngorm Reindeers with their handlers in a designated area on the High Street. The Town Hall will host FREE arts and crafts for little ones and a popular face painter. We are asking for a small donation for face painting, with all proceeds raised going to the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity. Children can enjoy a magical free visit to meet Santa in his grotto (queues are expected)! Winter warmers will be available for to purchase while you wait. There will be a mixture of local charity, food and craft stalls in the High Street and pedestrian area and many of the town’s retail shops will be open late for you to find great Christmas gifts.”
Proud lantern owners will gather in Back Street car park from 5.30pm ready to lead Santa in his sleigh to the Christmas tree for the big switch-on at 6pm. Entertainment on the main stage includes Rode Hall Silver Band, Andy Hofton, Karamba Band, Flaming Fools fire dancers, Storm Troopers and an Abba Tribute. There will be more crowd pleasing performances and walk about characters in the pedestrian area near the Elizabeth Statue.
The High Street will be closed from 2pm to 9.30pm. Motorists will still be able to access Market Street to access Morrisons and the Fairground Car Park. The bus and taxi rank will operate as normal but with all routes exiting via Mountbatten Way. Vehicles on Canal Street will only be able to turn right onto Lawton Street. No access from Moody Steet to High Street.
There will also be a 15-minute hold up on Lawton Street from 5.35pm– 5.50pm to allow Santa and the lantern procession to travel the length of Lawton Street to arrive at the tree at 5.50pm.
For more information on the event and other Christmas gems in Congleton, visit the town council web page: “Christmas in Congleton 2022”
