A FEAST of family fun is lined up as the Christmas lights are switched on in Middlewich.

A Christmas market, continental food, funfair, Santa's grotto and fireworks are expected to attract thousands into the town centre on Friday.

A mix of entertainment for everyone to enjoy will include a bucking bronco reindeer, stilt walkers, hook a duck and lots of children's activities.

The market will be set up at 12 noon and food, glorious food will be served at the Mexon Street Market on Wheelock Street.

"We're expecting thousands, half the town to turn up," said Dave Thompson, events manager for Middlewich Town Council. "It is usually very busy. Lots of schools are taking part.

"There will be a great choice of food and drink."

Northwich Guardian:

Christmas lights will be switched on followed by fireworks during an evening of family fun and entertainment

Children from primary schools across the town will sing a selection of carols in a concert at St Michael's Church at 4pm.

The Peter Pan cast and street entertainers will perform a theatre show hosted by a Silk FM roadshow at 5pm on the Bull Ring.

The panto cast and Elsa will then join Middlewich community mayor David Roberts and mayoress Lynne Hardy in a colourful lantern parade at 5.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to take part as free lanterns will be available from Elsa's frozen den on Wheelock Street.

Middlewich Youth Theatre will join in the festive fun at 5.45pm.

The Lions Youth Brass Band will play on Southway and Wheelock Street.

Thousands of twinkling lights will be switched on at 6pm followed by fireworks, panto dancers and a street theatre show.

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A festival choir will perform at St Michael's Church at 6.30pm.

Visitors can taste a host of different dishes from all over the world.

Food will be served by Jordy's Pizza, Little Billy's Donuts, Aiden Devaney's burgers and sausages, the Real Yorkshire Pudding Wrap Company, the Crepe Revolutioin, Little Jack's Mobile Bar, Senor Paella, Tom's Superwhip, Drinks and Bites at 35, The White Bear and many more.

Gift stalls include Bay Tree Fudge, Men in Sheds, Bike Bench, Born on the Waves and a range of other items ideal as Christmas gifts.

Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking.