Christmas Lights switch on events for Nantwich and Crewe

Mayor and Applewood - Christmas lights switch on

Nantwich and Crewe are preparing for their annual Christmas Lights Switch-on events over the next two weeks.

And both towns are hoping to use the festive season to pull in the visitors.

Nantwich Christmas lights switch on will kick off the celebrations on Friday November 16.

It will include an array of entertainment on the town square from 4pm onwards.

Chris Radford from The Cat FM will return to host the event, and there will be performances from Nantwich Young Voices and local favourite Megan Lee (pictured).

There will also be a special guest appearance from a beauty of a princess and free goodies for children.

To end the event there will be a spectacular display from Blitz Fireworks at around 7pm.

Megan Lee, singer at Oddfellows — Megan Lee

Mayor of Nantwich Cllr David Marren will switch on the town’s lights alongside sponsors of the central Christmas tree, Applewood Independent.

There will also be artisan market stalls, along Churchyardshide, from noon.

Other key dates for Nantwich in the run up include late night shopping on November 22, a Farmer’s Market on November 24, Santa’s Sparkly Suprise in Nantwich Civic Hall between December 3-5, and a Christmas Vintage and Artisan Market on December 8.

For more details visit the website of Nantwich Town Council.

A week later on November 23, it is Crewe’s turn.

The town is promising a spectacular array of light shows bringing a modern twist to the Christmas countdown.

The Christmas Lights switch-on event will see the launch of a winter fairy story projected onto Municipal Building as a new month-long attraction, every night from 5pm-10pm.

The full-size projection will be the main feature of LUMEN – Crewe’s Night of Lights when the town will unveil an array of attractions.

Organisers at Crewe Town Council say its a tale of love set against the backdrop of a ‘snowy Victorian Crewe’.

Family entertainment starts at 5pm on November 23, and includes a magical lantern parade from Lyceum Square to Memorial Square where Mayor of Crewe, Cllr Brian Roberts, will switch on the Christmas lights at 6.30pm.

Another new feature will be PEAL – a laser-triggered emulation of a church bell tower blending state-of-the-art technology with 300 year-old ringing patterns.

Visitors will be wowed by Spark! – a street feature show featuring ethereal characters dancing and drumming to a kaleidoscopic lighting design.

There will be a winter market on Lyceum Square, including Santa in his grotto.

Crewe’s Memorial Square will be lit by the glow of woodland creatures, giant flowers, luminous stars and ice drops and a ‘Fox Lady’ puppet with walkabout performances around the town.

The lights campaign, running to December 23, aims to drive footfall to the town centre and attract late-night shoppers.

Cllr Marilyn Houston, Chair of the Town Development Committee, said: “The Christmas Lights switch on will be bigger and brighter this year with these exciting new light features brightening up the town.”

Cheshire East Council leader Rachel Bailey, said: “This is great news for Crewe and will help to attract more people to the area. This will provide a real boost to local businesses in and around the area.”