CHRISTMAS has arrived in Mid Cheshire.
Hundreds of people braved the weather on Saturday (November 23) as the town welcomed in the holiday season.
Fireworks filled the night sky as children enjoyed festive games and a parade danced its way through the high street at the Christmas Extravaganza.
Mayor of Northwich, councillor Kate Cernik said: “Storm Bert did its best to disrupt the Northwich Christmas Extravaganza but did not succeed!
“Local businesses, Northwich Bid and Northwich Town Council pulled off an amazing event supported and enjoyed by a large turnout of townspeople.
“Thanks to all our partners working together Northwich once again lived up to its reputation as the events town of Cheshire.”
Due to the heavy rain, many stalls and activities had to be moved indoors, to a vacant unit at Barons Quay, at the last minute.
Fortunately the showers miraculously stopped when it was time for the parade led by a samba band.
The band was followed by schoolchildren and their lanterns, local dignitaries and the cast of the panto, including Kerry Katona.
Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper helped countdown as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on ahead of the firework finale.
Ellis Wardle, chair of Northwich BID, said: “This event is one that we all love as it kickstarts the festive season.
“I want to give a massive thank you to Northwich Town Council for putting it on and to all the partners and organisations who have worked hard behind the scenes to make the day a success.
“Events are really important for our town as they encourage everyone to come to Northwich and enjoy spending time here.”
Northwich town councillor Sam Naylor added: “This weekend’s Christmas Extravaganza is yet again a perfect example of collaboration between our local public and private community organisations in delivering a fantastic Northwich town centre event!
“We really do punch above our weight and that’s why the town stands head and shoulders within the local government hierarchy!”
It wasn't just Northwich getting into the holiday spirit on Saturday.
Middlewich hosted its own Christmas festivities, with live music, fireworks and children's rides doing their best to lighten the mood amidst the heavy rain.
A Middlewich Town Council spokesperson said: "A big thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas lights switch on event.
"Due to the weather forecast for Storm Bert, plans had to be significantly adjusted to ensure that the event was safe.
"As a result, the fireworks display was downgraded to a lower altitude and our stall holders were relocated to the Victoria Hall, while food vendors remained on the High Street.
"Despite the storm, efforts were made to ensure the event took place to avoid a full cancellation. We hope those that attended enjoyed themselves!"
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