Jackie Weaver will switch on Northwich Christmas lights

Jackie Weaver, who found unlikely fame when mediating a virtual meeting of Handforth Parish Council, will officially flick the switch on the town’s Christmas Extravaganza.

After last year’s enforced absence, the town is going all out this year to make the festive season the most spectacular one yet.

The series of amazing events will kick off on Saturday, November 27 with a fun-filled day for the whole family, with the festivities kicking off at 11am.

Some of town’s favourite businesses will move alfresco selling goods from market stalls at the top of Witton Street, while children can visit Father Christmas at his pop-up Grotto outside the library from 11am-2pm.

Princesses and stilt walkers will then escort Father Christmas to Barons Square, where he will add even more wishes to his ever-expanding list.

The last Christmas Extravaganza in Northwich took place in 2019

Applemarket Place will be the site of the Reindeer Lounge, a huge marquee hosting a series of events for two weeks, starting with a synthetic ice rink until Monday, November 29.

Town Clerk Chris Shaw said: “The Christmas Extravaganza will see a range of activities around the town centre.

“We’ve tried to fill the town with as much activity as possible.

“There will be parades throughout the day, with balloon artists, face painters as well as live music, fairground rides, food stalls and an outside bar.”

A lantern parade will depart from Waitrose at 5pm, before the town’s very special guest takes time away from Zoom to flick the switch.

If all that wasn’t enough, there will be a spectacular firework display over the River Weaver to really get Christmas going with a bang.

The Christmas Extravaganza will be the first of several events in the run-up to the big day

Speaking ahead of her duties, Jackie Weaver said: “The Christmas Northwich have planned this year is something really special and the light switch on is where it all starts.

“It needs someone with authority to press that button.

“I am the woman for the job and I can’t wait.”

The events are being delivered by a range of different partners, but primarily, Northwich BID, Northwich Town Council and Barons Quay

Town mayor Cllr Sam Naylor joked: “As far as I’m concerned, she has no authority in this town.

“In all seriousness, it will be fantastic to have Jackie Weaver turn our lights on.”

The Christmas Extravaganza is the first of four weekends of amazing events with Peppa Pig making a visit on December 4, dinosaurs roaming the streets on December 11 and finally a fun Christmas Trail on December 18.

Adam Gerrard, project manager at Northwich BID said: “This year is going to be bigger and better than ever before.

“We really wanted to make a statement and ensure Northwich is the only destination for people to come and begin their Christmas celebrations.”