Congleton will be switching on its Christmas lights at 5.30pm on Saturday 23rd November, as the festive finale to a fun-packed family day in the town centre! The entertainment starts at 12 noon with the start of six hours of entertainment on the stage, charity and retail stalls in the pedestrian area and Town Hall, kiddies fair rides, winter warmer bar hosted by Beartown Brewery, street food, santa’s grotto and much more.
The much-anticipated event has been organised by Congleton Christmas Crackers team led by Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects with the help of many volunteers keen to help showcase Congleton and create a fun day for local people in the lead up to Christmas.
Road closures to allow for the safe setting up of the event will start at 8.30am and may last until 8.30pm in the evening. The High Street will be closed from B&M through to the Town Hall. Canal Street will be open as usual, but all traffic exiting Canal Street will need to turn right towards Lawton Street. Market Street will be open for access to the bus station and taxi-rank, Morrisons and the Fairground Car Park.
A new ‘round’ stage will be used in the High Street between Barclays and NatWest Bank, to give more people a chance to enjoy, see and hear the stage entertainment. The entertainment includes:
12.15 – 12.30 – Astbury School Choir
12.30 – 12.50 Elf Show
1.00 – 1.30 – Nick Barnes Magic
1.30 – 1.45 Fire Birds Dance
1.55 – 2.20 – Elf Show
2.20 – 2.35 – LB Dance
2.35 – 3.00 Nick Barnes Magic
3.15 – 3.35 – Elf Show
3.35 – 3.50 – Phoenix Theatre Company
3.50 – 4.15 – Nick Barnes Magic
4.14 – 4.40 – Rode Hall Silver Band
4.45 – 5.20 Andy Hofton singer
5.20 – 5.30 – Carols and Countdown
5.30 – LIGHTS SWITCH ON
5.30 – 5.50 – Sambamba
5.50 – See you later Santa – bye from B&M roof
In addition to the stage music, there will be street entertainment in the pedestrian area and closed road – including a music area by the winter warmer bar on Duke Street.
The traditional lantern parade will leave the Back Park Street Car Park (behind Lawton Street) at 5pm to lead Santa in his sleigh to the stage.
Jackie MacArthur, one of the organisers from Congleton Town Council said: “Christmas is a special time of year and a really important one for town centres. We really hope that lots of local people will take this opportunity to come into town, meet up with friends, family and neighbours join in the festive fun and take the time to explore the fabulous shops, eateries and bars that we have in Congleton. It promises to be a fabulous day for Congleton and I would really like to thank the key sponsors – particularly Redrow Homes, Miller Homes, Hammond McNulty and Congleton Town Council – trusts and volunteers who make the event possible.”
