Christmas lights switch on set to be biggest and best yet

In a week's time the festive celebrations will kick-off in the village with the Alderley Edge Christmas lights switch on.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of this wonderful community event which is organised by Alderley Edge Traders Action Group, and this year they are promising the event will be the biggest and best yet.

Once again London Road will be closed to traffic so the festivities can spread right down the centre of the village on Thursday, 20th November.

As with previous years the main event is of course the switching on of the Christmas lights along with the arrival of Father Christmas, however for the first time there be will also be a Christmas market going down London Road, from outside the library down to Stevens Street.

There will be 40 stalls, including some of our local traders, offering a variety of goods including local food, wine and beer, crafts, greetings cards and gifts, pottery, clothing and jewellery. The market will be on from 5pm so there will be plenty of time for browsing and buying both before and after the Christmas lights switch on.

There will also be a stage where the crowds will be entertained with live performances, including a Christmas sing-a-long with Paul Pashley followed by open mic performances from a variety of local acts. Additionally there will be rides and fairground stalls to keep the children amused.

Many of the shops will be staying open during the evening whilst bars and restaurants will be offering special Christmas treats, including mince pies and mulled wine.

Much to the delight of the little ones, Father Christmas will be making an appearance on his sleigh and the Christmas lights will be switched on by a surprise celebrity guest. They will be assisted in the task by the two winners of the school's poster competition: Leila Vigerstaff from Year 3 at Alderley Edge Primary School and Florry Perry from Year 1 at Alderley Edge School for Girls.

Mitch Gilbert, Chairman of Alderley Edge Traders Action Group said "Not only is it a time for the local traders to say 'thank you' to our loyal customers but it is also a time that we can showcase our village to new residents and visitors alike."

The Alderley Edge Christmas lights switch on event will take place from 5.30pm to approximately 7.30pm with the live music starting at 7.45pm and finishing at around 10pm, people can then continue to party if they wish in the many bars and restaurants.

London Road will be closed to traffic between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Thursday, 20th November, from its junction with Clifton Street to its junction with Chapel Road. The alternative route during the closure will be via; Chorley Hall Lane, Ryleys Lane and Wilmslow Road.