We can today reveal details of the “bumper” programme set for Altrincham this Christmas.
This year’s lantern parade and Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday November 21st.
Free children’s lantern-making workshops will take place throughout the day (11am-4pm) in the Stamford Quarter (next door to WH Smith) and at Art with a Heart (82-82 George Street), while Stamford Square will host a musical showcase of local acts (12-4pm).
The switch-on show from 4.40pm in Stamford Square will see performances from Absolute Belters, local singer Amanda Heywood and award-winning children’s choir Little Belters.
The lights themselves – which have been part-funded by local businesses as part of the Festive 50 campaign – will be switched on by CBBC presenters Katie Thistleton and Chris Johnson.
Watch last year’s switch-on:
Aside from the switch-on show, the Christmas markets will this year move to Tuesdays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
Also lined up for the town this Christmas:
- A Beaujolais Nouveau wine festival in Goose Green on Saturday 28 November
- A town-wide Santa Festival on Saturday 5 December
- A Winter Wonderland at Kings Court on the first three weekends in December
- Brunch with Santa at the Old Post Rooms on Saturday 12 December
- Christmas music at Goose Green on Saturday 19 December
- A Christmas Concert from the Stamford Ensemble at Market House on Monday 21 December
Meanwhile, on Saturday November 14th, Altrincham Forward will host a free pop-up Fab Lab festive workshop at their office on Shaw’s Road, with laser printers set up to create Christmas decorations and a hi-tech 3D printer on display.
On the same weekend, Altrincham Town Hall will host the UK’s first Festival of Fizz, with tastings of sparkling wines including Champagne, Prosecco and Cava and specialist master classes.
Michael Young, Executive Councillor for Economic Growth and Planning and Altrincham Forward board member, said: “This year’s Christmas programme in Altrincham is bigger and better than ever, with some exciting new events running alongside established favourites. The number and quality of festive activities organised this year is a real indication of the growing sense of confidence in Altrincham’s resurgence.”
