THE Middlewich Christmas lights switch-on has been hailed a huge success – despite special guest Kerry Katona cancelling.

The former Atomic Kitten star, who is appearing in panto in Northwich next month, was due to make a guest appearance but she was unable to attend.

The event took place on Friday, November 23 alongside a church carol concert and Christmas market.

Events manager Dave Thompson said: “It was disappointing about Kerry because we know people would have been excited to see her but all we know is that it was due to mitigating circumstances that she could not be there.

“It was a great event and we were very lucky with the weather, it felt like half of the town attended.

“The lantern parade could hardly get through the market because of how many people there were.

“It was great to see so many people there, it really did feel like a special community event.

“I saw a lot of faces that I did not recognise and it was lovely to see so many young families there as well as people who have only just moved to Middlewich.

“I think Santa had run out of sweets by the end of the night.”

The Christmas lights were switched on by Bill Walmsley, Middlewich mayor, and Rose Queen Amelia Jones at 6pm.

Dave said: “The Middlewich High School Community Choir also hosted its charity carol concert in St Michael’s Church which was a big success.

“The church was completely full for the concert, I did not even manage to get a seat.

“I have to say a big thank you to St Michael’s Church for hosting that event.

“It’s good that we can close off St Michael’s Way now, that gives me a lot less to worry about with traffic.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to the sponsors for the event, SP Energy and Rainbow Day Nursery.”

Go to middlewichguardian.co.uk for more pictures from the event.