Knutsford Town Council’s festive plans are well under way – including offering one lucky child the chance to ride with Santa.

The first weekend in December will see the Christmas festivities begin with a two-day festive market, featuring a reindeer parade, entertainment and light switch on in Canute Place.

Local schools and music festival favourites will take to the stage from 1.30pm on the Saturday.  

The owners of Tatton Street’s Caledonian House, Bruntwood, are sponsoring the lights on Tatton Street and Speedy Freight of Knutsford Business Park is sponsoring the Christmas Tree in Canute Place.

Saturday visitors will also find the Best of the Market stall in the centre of the market where tickets will be on sale to win a collection of over 120 prizes donated by the market traders.

These are all offered as one prize and ticket proceeds all go to the Mayor’s local charities.

Santa’s Grotto will again be situated on Silk Mill Street where children will be greeted by Santa’s elves who are helping to raise money for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

Due to increasing popularity of the Christmas Markets, the Town Council is providing a Park and Ride facility for this year’s event, offering free parking at Booths Park and a five-minute bus journey to the market.

Now in its fifth year, Knutsford’s Lantern Parade and Crib Service will be taking place on Saturday, December 8 at 5pm.

With large lantern displays designed and crafted by Handmade Parade, the parade will be accompanied by the City of Chester Brass Band and the procession will be led from the Barncroft behind St Cross Church, along King Street, Minshull Street and Princess Street where a crib service will be held in front of the Lost and Found.

Road closures and diversions will be in place for these events and if residents have any questions or concerns about how this may affect them, the Council can be contacted on 01565 653929.

The council is once again launching its ‘win a ride with Santa’ competition for a child to join Santa in his sleigh pulled by real reindeer as he works his way through Knutsford town centre from 5pm on Saturday, December 1.

For your chance to win, just answer the following question:

n What is the name of the Dr Seuss character who hates Christmas?

 Email your answer, along with the name and age of the child, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the parent or guardian, to knutsford@guardiangrp.co.uk by 5pm on Wednesday, November 28.

The first name selected at random will win.

The winner will need to be at the Moor for 4.45pm on Saturday, December 1 to take part in the parade. Usual Newsquest competition rules apply.