Altrincham will take a trip back to the 1980s this Christmas as a Live Aid-inspired lights switch-on launches a programme of festive events in the town centre.
The event on Saturday 21 November will feature 80s tribute acts, choirs and special guests, with Happy Radio presenters Darren Proctor and Chelsea Norris hosting the celebrations.
It is one of three major Christmas events announced by Altrincham BID, alongside the return of the popular Lantern Parade and Carols from King's Court.
The 'Choose Alty' Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place between 3pm and 6pm, with this year's entertainment taking inspiration from the iconic Live Aid concert of 1985.
Further details of the performers and special guests are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Costa Coffee's Altrincham store is the headline sponsor of the event.
Andrew Cottrell, Area Manager for Costa Coffee in Altrincham, said: "Christmas is a special time for communities, and we're delighted to be supporting The Altrincham Christmas Light Switch On this year.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for local people to come together, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories with family and friends."
The festivities will continue on Saturday 12 December, when the Altrincham Lantern Parade returns as part of a day of activities running from noon until 6pm.
Local school and community choirs will perform throughout the afternoon in the Stamford Quarter, while families will be able to take part in a new attraction, The Gift of Christmas Trail.
The trail will invite visitors to discover eight special gifts – compassion, protection, independence, knowledge, care, courage, inspiration and generosity – through encounters with notable figures from the past and present.
The highlight of the day will be the Lantern Parade, which will set off from Goose Green at 4.45pm.
The procession will feature large illuminated lanterns alongside creations made by local schools and community groups during workshops earlier in the day.
Characters from The Gift of Christmas Trail will also join the parade, with celebrations concluding with a performance on stage in Stamford Square.
The town's third major festive event, Carols from King's Court, will take place on Wednesday 16 December from 6pm to 7pm.
The traditional Christmas singalong will be led by professionals and the choir from Altrincham-based The Music Place, with residents invited to join in with familiar festive songs.
All three events are organised by Altrincham BID, the business-funded organisation behind Visit Altrincham.
Mandy White, Director of Altrincham BID, said: "We're incredibly excited to bring another Christmas programme to Altrincham and create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate and make special memories in our town.
"Our Christmas events are a real reflection of what makes Altrincham such a special place. The support of our local businesses and sponsors makes it possible to deliver these celebrations for the community, and we're hugely grateful to everyone who helps make them happen.
"This year, we're particularly excited about the creative direction of the Christmas Lights Switch-On, the Lantern Parade and The Gift of Christmas Trail. There's lots more to come, and we can't wait to share further details about the entertainment, line-up and special guests in the weeks ahead."
The Christmas programme is funded by local businesses through Altrincham BID, with additional sponsorship from Stamford Quarter, McHale & Co Solicitors, Lund Bennett Law, Sportfive, Sale Sharks, Altrincham Football Club, The Genius Group, Atlantic Timber, Circle Funerals and Hill & Hill The Jewellers.
Christmas in Altrincham: Key dates
Further details of the entertainment and special guests will be announced nearer the events.
