CHRISTMAS may be six months away but the search is now on to find someone to supply new festive lights to decorate the streets of Winsford.

Winsford Town Council is inviting tenders for the purchase, erection, maintenance and dismantling of the Christmas lights on High Street, part of Dene Drive and from the River Weaver gyratory to the roundabout beside the Top House pub.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm on Friday, November 27.

This festive event usually heralds the start of the Christmas Street Festival which attracted hundreds of residents into the town centre last year.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Winsford Town Council does not yet know if this event can go ahead.

TV celebrities who were starring in a panto joined Winsford mayor Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones for the switch on last year.

Northwich Guardian:

TV celebrities joined Winsford mayor Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones for the Christmas lights switch on last year

Katie McGlynn who plays Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street, John Altman, 'nasty' Nick Cotton from Eastenders and local actor Ryan Gleaves pushed the button as crowds cheered.

Excited children carrying almost 200 lanterns paraded through the streets led by a samba band to launch the feast of family fun.

Street entertainers, carol singers, a Christmas market, live musicians, a funfair and performers from Barnton Circus added to the festive atmosphere.

Plans are now being made to make sure the Christmas lights are better than ever.

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Northwich Guardian:

Winsford Town Council is inviting tenders for Christmas lights

The council is asking for tenders for lights to be be fitted on approximately 80 lamp columns in High Street. Blachere Boreal motifs are to be fitted to around 20 columns between Dene Drive and Dingle Lane. Existing traditional units will be installed to the remaining 54 lamp columns.

In Dene Drive, LED motifs will be fitted to approximately 10 columns. From the river gyratory to the roundabout adjacent to the Top House pub, LED motifs will be fitted to around 15 lamp columns. Lamp column fastening kits are already in situ.

The council asks for any interested party to quote for examination, testing and (if necessary) replacement of any of these lights for use in 2020 plus the cost of testing the equipment in advance.

LED strings are also required for a 9 metre Christmas tree at the junction of High Street and Old High Street and connection to an adjacent column.

Tenders should be placed in a sealed envelope marked 'Tender for Christmas lights' and sent to

Mark Bailey, town clerk/finance officer, Winsford Town Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1AH before 12 noon on August 5.

For further details visit Winsford Town Council