Superheroes helped to switch on Rudheath's Christmas lights

Between 300 and 400 residents braved the freezing weather on Sunday to enjoy a feast of entertainment laid on at The Venue in Gadbrook Road.

The celebrations featured music, festive stalls, fairground rides, a visit by Santa and the switching-on of the lights on Rudheath’s first Christmas tree.

The switch-on was the highlight of the celebrations, which were organised by Rudheath Parish Council and ran from 4pm to 8pm.

The lights were turned on by Iron Man and Spiderman, with help from parish council chairman Alison Gerrard, who became a Christmas elf on the night as one of Santa’s helpers.

“We decided to put on the event to bring the community together and highlight The Venue as a community building,” said Cllr Alison Gerrard.

“We were really pleased with the numbers who came along and the support of the community, and in general people really enjoyed it.

“Santa saw 80 children in his grotto, and each child received a present.

“We had a Christmas fair featuring a number of stalls, children from Little Owls Pre-School sang carols inside, and the choir from Rudheath Primary Academy performed by the Christmas tree.

“The atmosphere was really good, and the switch-on is to be an annual event, although we are looking at starting and finishing a bit earlier next year, possibly running the event from 3pm to 7pm.

“I would like to thank everyone who came along on the night, and helped to organise and run the event.”

Santa arrived on the Northwich Rotary Vale Royal sleigh, and the community celebration included performances from Mereside Brass Band and singer Rebecca Holland.

There was also a raffle, which raised £110, which is to go to a local charity, fairground rides, which proved popular with the children, mulled wine and winter Pimm’s and hot food.

The festive celebrations were funded by the parish council, with support from Cheshire West and Chester councillors and Rudheath and Witton Together, and shops donated prizes for the raffle.