The Christmas Extravaganza brought thousands of visitors to Northwich this weekend, in one of Cheshire’s biggest lights switch-on events.

Witton Street, Apple Market Place, and the Wildflower Meadow at Barons Quay were transformed with a range of festive activities to keep people entertained, and to get visitors into the Christmas spirit.

Shoppers at Witton Street’s Christmas market were able to stock up on gifts, sweet treats, clothing and jewellery, while being delighted by members of Barnton Circus, who were performing throughout the day.

Northwich Guardian: Elf drama (Karl Brooks)Elf drama (Karl Brooks) (Image: Karl Brooks)

This year’s event saw an even bigger funfair, as well as an ice rink, a snow globe, and of course, Santa’s Grotto.

Northwich Guardian: A chance to ride in Santa's sleigh (Karl Brooks)A chance to ride in Santa's sleigh (Karl Brooks) (Image: Karl Brooks)

Children were able to take part in some festive crafting with Transition Northwich, and many visitors took part in the Star Trail, which guided them around 10 locations and gave them a chance to win a £150 prize.

For those who wanted to put their skills to the test, there were lots of free games including nines holes of Christmas crazy golf and ‘Knock Elf off the Shelf,’ with some excellent prizes to be won.

Northwich Guardian: Lantern parade on Witton Street (Karl Brooks)Lantern parade on Witton Street (Karl Brooks) (Image: Karl Brooks)

The final event of the day was the schools’ lantern parade, which set off from Waitrose on London Road at 5pm, before making its way through the town centre.

Following the parade’s arrival at the steps of Barons Square, the lights switch-on itself went ahead at 5.30pm, followed by a fireworks 'grand finale' at 6pm.

Northwich Guardian: Support from a penguin (Karl Brooks)Support from a penguin (Karl Brooks) (Image: Karl Brooks)

Northwich town councillor, Lee Siddall, said: “I'm so proud of Northwich and how we punch well above our weight when it comes to events like this.

"We are fortunate to have so many dedicated people in our town.

Northwich Guardian: Mayor Graham Emmett gets upstaged (Karl Brooks)Mayor Graham Emmett gets upstaged (Karl Brooks) (Image: Karl Brooks)

“I know that staff and volunteers worked from 5am until late into the night to ensure that the event ran smoothly, as they do for every event.

“Each and every event drives footfall into our town and helps local businesses to survive.

“A big thank you to everyone who helped, including all the amazing staff at Northwich Town Council, the Northwich BID, Rotary and One Northwich.”

Town mayor Graham Emmett added: "The town was packed to see the Batala Mersey Drum Band lead the Lantern procession from Waitrose to Barons Quay – all the local primary schools had teams bearing coloured lanterns – shepherded along by PC Panda.

Northwich Guardian: Elves and company pose for a picture (Karl Brooks)Elves and company pose for a picture (Karl Brooks) (Image: Karl Brooks)

"We ended up in Barons Quay Square with about 3,000 people for the Christmas lights switch-on. Street games all along Witton street, an ice ring in AppleMarket Place - it was a superb event.

"It was only made possible by great cooperation between Northwich Town Council, the BID (Business Improvement District), Cheshire West, Barons Quay and the police.

"Council staff started work at 5am and didn’t finish until 9pm and then were back at 9am Sunday to pack away.

"Northwich is fortunate to have this group working together to lay on so many events – just count how many we have had this year – unheard of for a council of our size and the envy of many!"