NORTHWICH people are being urged to get into the Christmas spirit this weekend as the town is transformed into a winter wonderland.

This year’s Christmas Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, when the town will come alive with festive cheer as a host of activities, attractions and stalls take over Northwich in what is set to be the biggest and best Extravaganza yet.

Funded and organised by the Northwich Business Improvement District (BID) and Northwich Town Council, the challenge will be to top 2015’s successful event.

Santa will be in attendance, joined by magical princesses and superheroes, stiltwalkers, live art displays and fairground rides.

There will be an array of animals to see, including birds of prey and penguins, and there will be donkey rides in Weaver Square.

For the first time Northwich will have its own reindeer family for the day in Weaver Square.

People can try their hand at Christmas Crazy Golf in Town Park, enjoy arts and crafts in Brunner Court, take tractor and trailer rides on Meadow Street, watch Christmas cookery demonstrations on the High Street and enjoy live music on the library steps.

An artisan theme will run through the day too, with visitors able to peruse a range of stalls.

A range of Northwich’s retailers and businesses will take to the streets alongside traders from the Northwich Teenage Market selling gifts, treats and bespoke Christmas items.

Firm favourites will return, including the lantern parade and lights switch-on, before the event culminates in a spectacular firework finale.

Northwich BID manager Jane Hough said: “With the amount of new attractions and activities we’ve added this year to complement the favourites from previous events, it’s set to be the biggest and best Christmas Extravaganza to date.

“I can’t wait to see Northwich transformed into a winter wonderland and to see the people of the town really getting into the festive spirit.”

Northwich town clerk Chris Shaw said: “Northwich Town Council along with the BID and other partners have worked very hard to ensure this year’s Extravaganza is the best one yet.

“The events in previous years have been fantastic, but we’re aiming to go one better with another spectacular festive event that provides fun for all the family.

“I think people are going to be amazed when they see all the activities and attractions lined up.”

For more information, including a map of activities and timings, see visitnorthwich.co.uk.