EXCITED children are busy making lanterns for the town's Christmas parade and light switch-on.

Year six pupils at Darnhall Primary School in Winsford worked with artist Sarah Barr to create lots of giant lanterns.

Head teacher Sarah Tomlinson said: “Our children always enjoy being part of the town council festive light parade and they have had an amazing day making their lanterns.”

The lantern parade will leave Winsford Cross Shopping Centre and head towards the Old High at around 4.15pm on Friday.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by town mayor Cllr Gina Lewis at 5pm.

She will then judge the best dressed Christmas shop window competition with junior mayor 10-year-old Mya Barlow.

A Christmas market, funfair and street entertainers promise to create a fun-filled festival atmosphere.

Father Christmas will make an appearance, thanks to Winsford and Middlewich Rotary Club.

A spectacular fireworks display will close the festival at 7pm.

Town clerk Mark Bailey said: "This year’s festival promises to be lots of fun, with something for the whole family. The Christmas lights promise to be truly spectacular and we have arranged plenty of entertainment for those attending.

"The Old High Street is a great venue for the street festival and will give hundreds of people the chance to see the wide range of specialist shops and businesses that operate there.

"We hope that as many people will be able to attend as possible and make the start of Christmas a really big event for Winsford."

This year’s event will be hosted by Silk FM who will be providing music and entertainment.