Switching on Northwich Christmas Lights

SLEIGH bells jingled loud in Northwich on Saturday as Santa swapped his North Pole retreat for the bright lights of Weaver Square.

Father Christmas was among the crowd of merry-makers who flocked to the pedestrian precinct to witness the official switch on of the town's Christmas illuminations.

The John Dale Quartet warmed the crisp winter air from 11am with their jazz renditions of popular tinsel-themed tunes and 11-year-old singer Clarissa Howard joined them at 11.30am.

Dance troupes and Father Christmas, who arrived thanks to The Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal and Northwich Round Table, kept the crowds entertained.

Town centre manager Paul Bosman said: "Clarissa sang in Weaver Square previously to raise funds for SANDS: Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society in memory of her sister.

"She has such a beautiful voice and everyone walking past on Saturday stopped to listen to her sing. It was wonderful."

He added: "Clarissa joined the Mayor of Northwich, Clr Lesley Cotterill, to officially switch on the lights."

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Photographs from the event can be found in the gallery.