The town centre was packed on Friday 24 November as Congleton’s Christmas lights were switched on. Thousands turned out to enjoy the festive atmosphere, entertainment, lantern parade, Santa, stalls, real reindeer and much more. Event organisers Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects were delighted with the show of support for the popular event.
Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Rob Moreton said: “We’ve always loved the Switch-on, and Congleton people are just the best at supporting local events. Attending this year as Mayor and Mayoress was a huge honour and privilege. It was an amazing experience taking part in the new route lantern parade, seeing the proud lantern owners marching with their wonderful creations was rather magical.
The team behind the event put in a tremendous amount of hard work to make sure there is something for everyone on the night. The Cairngorm Reindeer outside the Town Hall were just majestic! The reindeer are part of the UKs only free-range herd. The Town Hall was buzzing with stalls and people. Congleton Radio did a tremendous job hosting the community stage and the main stage was as popular as ever with talented local acts entertaining the crowds. Thanks to our compere Darren Gill who stepped in last minute, he did a top job holding everything together! Hundreds of children waited patiently to visit Santa in his Grotto on Swan Bank. This year is the first time we have closed Swan Bank / Mill Street, with Congleton’s growing population, events like this need more space. The new Congleton Market Quarter getting involved was a bonus too. Thanks to Congleton Rotary and all the Hi Viz volunteers who gave up their time to help on the evening.”
Families joined in the countdown to the big Switch-On, there was a big cheer from the crowds as the lights were turned on by Father Christmas & and his little helper 6-year-old Jack Carver from Congleton. The town’s lights will be on every day from 3pm-11pm until the New Year.
Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects wish to offer a massive thank you to everyone who helped to make the evening such a tremendous success. Unfortunately, there are too many people to mention individually. So, without missing anyone out, special recognition goes to all the volunteers, performers, school choirs, contractors, lantern-makers, stall holders, businesses and community groups and the public who came along to support the annual event.
Congleton Town Council will use its four ‘free’ parking days on the four Saturdays in December. It will be free to park AFTER 10am in Princess Street car park (market), Back Street car park (behind Lawton Street) and Fairground car park. Giving shoppers longer time to enjoy Christmas in Congleton.
