TOWN councillors are hailing Middlewich's Christmas lights switch-on as one of the best yet.

Hundreds of people took to the streets to see stunning fireworks and the town's new lights brighten up the skies above Middlewich on Friday, November 24.

Ronan Parke, 2011 finalist on ITV's Britain's Got Talent, performed a 30-minute set to the delight of the crowds, and the Mexon Street Market was held to coincide with the event – meaning festive revellers could enjoy an array of food and drink.

Cllr Samantha Moss, mayor of Middlewich, had the honour of switching on the town's Christmas lights for 2017.

She told the Guardian: "It was absolutely fantastic – there was a really good community spirit all round.

"It was fantastic to switch on the lights – a bit bright on the stage but it was a brilliant experience.

"It really was a family occasion and everyone is still talking about it."

It was the first time that Middlewich Town Council had held the Mexon Street Market in the evening, to coincide with the lights switch-on.

Cllr Moss believes residents enjoyed having the market on at night, but she is unsure whether it could be held at the same time on a more regular basis.

"The evening market went down a storm with both residents and stall holders," she said.

"People seem to be asking if we will do another one – whether we can do it I'm not sure, as it took a lot of work, but it definitely worked on a lights switch-on night.

"But the regular Mexon Market will be returning in March."

Cllr Pam Farrell, Middlewich Town Council member, attended the event with her five-year-old granddaughter.

"It was the busiest I've ever seen it," she told the Guardian.

"There was a really lovely atmosphere, and my granddaughter loved the fair."