SKATE into Christmas this year as Northwich hosts a festive extravaganza.

For the first time, Northwich town centre will have its very own ice rink – to coincide with the popular annual Christmas Extravaganza event.

The rink will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 22, 23 and 24, with the Christmas Extravaganza taking place on the Saturday.

The event – a regular hit with families from the town and beyond – is organised by Northwich Business Improvement District, Northwich Town Council, Barons Quay, the Northwich Independent Retailers' Association and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Northwich Guardian:

There will be festive fun at every turn on Saturday, November 23, with crowd favourites such as donkey rides, fairground rides, birds of prey, stilt walkers and a giant snow globe set to return.

Santa's Grotto will be open to youngsters, with entertainment elsewhere from Barnton Circus, a caricaturist and a fun house.

The Christmas Bauble Trail will be perfect for budding detectives, and there will be festive treats aplenty at the Witton Street Christmas Markets for those on the lookout for refreshments and maybe even some presents.

Visitors can also pay a visit to the craft village, which will be situated outside PoundStretcher. Here there will be face painting, glitter tattoos, gingerbread decorating and balloon modelling – perfect for keeping the kids busy.

Following a full afternoon of Christmas fun, the event will once again culminate with the School’s Lantern Parade, Light Switch-on and firework display to bring the day to a spectacular conclusion.

Northwich Guardian:

Northwich BID manager Jane Hough is looking forward to seeing the town transformed into a winter wonderland again, and believes this year’s line-up of activities and attractions is the best yet.

She said: “This year’s schedule of activities is more comprehensive than ever and I can’t wait to see visitors enjoying everything that has been organised.

“It’s going to be a really fun day for the whole family and hopefully everyone will feel like they’ve got that Christmas spirit after attending.”

Northwich town clerk Chris Shaw added: “Every year we try to improve upon what went before, and we feel as though 2019’s event will achieve this.

"It’s shaping up to be a brilliant afternoon so make sure you come into town to check it out.”

A Christmas Extravaganza landing page will be online at visitnorthwich.co.uk to help people plan their visit to the event.