Christmas Friday, 24 November

A big turnout is expected in Congleton Town Centre on Friday 24 November for the popular Christmas Lights Switch-On. The fun begins at 4pm, with the big switch on at 6pm. The evening will be packed full of free entertainment and lots of Christmas cheer for the whole family.

Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Rob Moreton said: “The lights switch-on is always a fantastic event and brings thousands of shoppers and visitors into our town centre. We are hopeful the community will flock together to enjoy this magical event once again. We’re very excited to see the countdown to Christmas officially start.”

The mayor continues: “Come and meet the beautiful Cairngorm Reindeer, shop for great Christmas gifts from over 40 craft stalls inside the town hall and the pedestrian area. Join in the fun and games on the community stalls whilst raising money for local good causes and purchase seasonal food and drink from the vendors and town centre eateries. Little ones can pay a visit to the big man himself in Santa’sGrotto which can be found inside the Cygnet Club.

Watch the traditional lantern parade, taking a new route this year, leaving from the bottom of Mill Street at 5.30pm approxto arrive at the Christmas tree for the lights switch on at 6pm. Entertainment on the main stage (next to the big Christmas tree) includes Rode Hall Silver Band and new for 2023 an Ed Sheeran/Lewis Capaldi/George Ezra tribute act! The community stage (next to the ‘Our Elizabeth’ statue) will feature performances from local schools, clubs and groups. Discover the special Beartown Christmas Market at Congleton’s new Market Quarter, Princess Street. Including independent artisan traders, street food and entertainment.”

In addition to the usual road closure on High Street, Mill Street and Swan Bank will also be closed to traffic this year to extend the festivities throughout the town centre. The new zone will have a party atmosphere with a DJ, food stalls and seating.

To make it easier for shoppers to stay longer and enjoy Congleton this Christmas, Congleton Town Council will use its four 'free' parking days on Saturday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rdDecember. Park for free AFTER 10am in Princess Street car park (market), Back Street car park (behind Lawton Street) and Fairground car park. The Fairground car park still has a three-hour upper limit for parking. Back Park Street car park remains free every day after 3pm.

For more information on Christmas in Congleton visit: www.congleton-tc.gov.uk