Congleton came alive with festive cheer on Friday 29 November as thousands gathered to celebrate the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. The event, organised by Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects, was a spectacular success, bringing the community together to launch the town’s Christmas celebrations in style.
The evening’s festivities included a vibrant lantern parade led by the energetic Karamba Band, culminating in the big switch-on. Local sisters Isabella (9) and Madeline (8) Bywater, along with their younger brother Fox, had the honour of helping Santa to turn on the dazzling lights, sparking joy and applause from the crowd.
Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Kay Wesley, expressed her gratitude and pride in the community’s effort: “The wonderful town centre lights look amazing as always, marking the start of a great Congleton Christmas. I’ve always loved the Switch-On and have fond memories of bringing my own children when they were little—they’re all grown up now! Congleton people are just the best at supporting local events. Thank you to everyone for turning out and making the evening so special. The lantern parade was spectacular, and Santa’s helpers were fantastic at bringing the magic to life.”
The mayor also acknowledged the dedication of those who made the event possible:
“This was a huge community effort, and I want to thank our organisers, Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects, for the tremendous work in pulling everything together. Special thanks to our MC for the night, Cllr Mark Edwardson, who did a fantastic job keeping the main stage entertainment running smoothly. A big shout out to all our amazing volunteers, sponsors, stallholders, performers, and attendees for playing their part in the success. Special thanks to Rotary Congleton for their generous donation of £750 towards the accessible big screen and their excellent marshalling on the night.”
The town council introduced new inclusivity measures at this year’s event that proved highly successful in enhancing the overall experience for attendees. A dedicated area on Mill Street featured a live-streamed screen, allowing access to main stage performances in a quieter, family-friendly setting, along with accessible toilets and blue badge parking. TMC provided a calming space for those needing a retreat from the excitement.
Other changes, such as single-sided stalls that created more space in the pedestrian area and the relocation of the community stage to Swan Bank, effectively eased traffic flow and reduced congestion at key pinch points. These improvements ensured that everyone could enjoy the festivities more comfortably and safely, highlighting the event’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
The Town Crier added to the Christmas spirit with a rousing and cheerful “Oyez.” The entertainment featured a wide range of festive activities, including a Taylor Swift tribute, school choirs, the comedy Elves, and performances by the Rode Hall Silver Band, delighting attendees of all ages. The Santa’s Grotto in Radley’s added an extra touch of magic for families, making the event even more special.
The Town Council extends its heartfelt thanks to all the Christmas sponsors, whose generous support made the event possible. A massive thank you to: Bellway, Congleton Market Quarter, Kanga, Rotary Congleton, Sibelco, Spall Clark Solicitors, and the UKSPF Fund. This wonderful celebration wouldn’t have been possible without their contributions.
Congleton is now set for a magical Christmas, with the lights shining brightly and a programme of festive activities planned to bring the community together. The lights will be on daily from 3pm-11pm until the New Year. The Town Hall will be illuminated with a festive projection from 16 December between 4.30pm-9.30pm.
For more information about upcoming events, visit: www.congleton-tc.gov.uk
