Altrincham is getting ready for its official start to the festive season with the Christmas Lights Switch-On this Saturday.
The event, organised by Altrincham BID and hosted by Happy Radio's Darren Proctor and Chelsea Norris, promises an afternoon of festive fun with a focus on sustainability and sport.
As we've already revealed, this year's lights will be switched on by Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, Dame Laura Kenny.
Here's everything else you need to know:
Where is the Altrincham Christmas Lights Switch-On taking place?
This year the stage will be located in the same place as last year - on Regent Road at the top of George Street, close to Bap and TUI Holiday Store.
The audience area will once again stretch down George Street.
What entertainment is there?
Between 3pm and 6 pm, the Switch-On stage on Regent Road will host a line-up of live entertainment, including performances by:
- Amanda Jane Heywood
- Imogen-Paige
- Little Belters
- The Music Place Choir
- St Ambrose School Choir
The entertainment will be hosted by Happy Radio’s Darren Proctor and Chelsea Norris.
Who is switching on the Altrincham Christmas Lights this year?
Dame Laura Kenny will be pressing the big button this year.
Dame Laura is Britain's most decorated female Olympic athlete and one of the world’s most successful track cyclists.
Born in 1992, she rose to prominence at the London 2012 Olympics, winning two gold medals, and has since accumulated multiple Olympic, World and European titles.
She is married to fellow cycling champion Jason Kenny, and the pair were knighted in 2022.
They now live with their two children near Knutsford.
How are Altrincham businesses getting involved on Saturday?
This year’s event comes with a unique twist that reflects Altrincham’s commitment to green initiatives and active travel.
In collaboration with local gyms, fitness studios, and players from Altrincham Football Club and Manchester Storm, part of the stage lighting will be driven by pedal power.
As well as performances on the stage, don’t forget to drop into M&S, where Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar will be making a special appearance.
Rhode Island Coffee will be staying open later than usual and offering £2.50 hot chocolates to keep you warm as you enjoy the festivities.
Other local cafes and coffee shops will also be serving up delicious warming drinks and Christmas treats.
Waterstones will also be hosting their Christmas evening, where they will be joined by Penny Neville-Lee and Jarvis. Penny will be signing copies of Carousel Horse and Jarvis will be signing Mr Santa whilst creating some Christmassy drawings in store. They will be open until 7pm for the Christmas Lights Switch on.
Will there be any road closures?
There will be a temporary road closure on Regent Road for the duration of the event, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout as well as access to the town centre car parks.
Mandy White, Altrincham BID Director, said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to the businesses who have sponsored this year’s switch on including Assura, Lund Bennett Law, Altrincham Football Club, The Con Club, Capstone Financial, Hill and Company, Rhode Island Coffee, Sportfive, Howden Insurance and XL Business Finance, as well as all of Altrincham’s BID businesses who contribute to this event.
"The forecast predicts chilly weather, so wrap up in your hats, scarves, and gloves and head into town for the festive celebrations and then why not stay for a bite to eat or a drink in one of the many restaurants, bars and pubs in the town.”
Here are all the dates for all the Christmas events taking place in the town centre this year
