A CHRISTMAS extravaganza will start the festive season in Northwich with a bang this year.

This year's lights switch-on has been extended to include a day of events and entertainment, finishing with a firework display at Northwich Library.

Chris Shaw, Northwich Town Council clerk, said: "This Christmas campaign is going to be bigger and better than ever and will see Northwich transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland."

The town council is working with Northwich's Business Improvement District (BID), Northwich Independent Retailers Association (NIRA) and Cheshire West and Chester Council to put on the event.

Taking place in Northwich town centre on Saturday, November 29, the event will include a Christmas market from 10am to 7pm, entertainment from 2pm, a lantern parade from 5pm, the switch-on at 5.30pm and the firework finale at 7pm.

The market will feature more than 60 stalls of Christmas crafts, tasty treats and face painting while entertainment on the library steps is set to include students from Mid Cheshire College's Christmas production, the Sir John Deane's College brass band, carol singing from both the Joshua Tree and the Girl Guides and music from Roberts Bakery Band.

From 1pm there will be fairground rides in Witton Street and free tractor and trailer rides through the Christmas lights.

Father Christmas will parade around Northwich with stilt walkers in the morning, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride himself at 1pm and then meet children in his grotto from 2pm.

More than 200 children will take part in the lantern parade, led by a samba band, which will form up at Waitrose and walk along Dane Street, High Street and Witton Street to the library where the Christmas lights will be officially switched on.

Shops and cafes are also encouraged to stay open later on the day.

Jane Hough, from Northwich's BID team, said: "The BID has contributed £15,000 to fund an extension of the Christmas lights on Witton Street and London Road, support with the programme of entertainment on the day and the installation of a 30 foot Christmas tree at Town Bridge, which will create a fabulous focal point for shoppers and visitors to the town throughout the festive season.

"In addition to the Christmas activity, the BID has also funded a dedicated marketing campaign which will help to attract visitors to Northwich from far and wide.”