KNUTSFORD Christmas Market has been hailed ‘the busiest ever’.

Thousands of shoppers packed into the town for the two-day festive celebration.

More than 130 stalls filled Princess Street and Silk Mill Street, selling a variety of artisan products ranging from homemade art and crafts, locally brewed beers and alcohol to festive bakes and gift ideas.

READ > Knutsford and Wilmslow ticket dodgers hit with court bills

Excited children waited patiently for the traditional Santa parade.

Knutsford Guardian: Santa waved to children as he processed through the streetsSanta waved to children as he processed through the streets (Image: Tessa Carroll Photography)

Chester Brass Band and Travelling Light Circus performers led the festive procession along King Street and Minshull Street, supported by Knutsford Hosts and We Are Knutsford.

Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton was joined by his cadet Jamie Duncan and Santa to switch on the Christmas lights.

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton and his cadet Jamie Duncan joined Santa for the Christmas lights switch onKnutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton and his cadet Jamie Duncan joined Santa for the Christmas lights switch on (Image: Tessa Carroll Photography)

Alex Brown, events officer at Knutsford Town Council, said: “This was our busiest Christmas Market yet.

“We were thrilled to see thousands enjoying the market and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Knutsford Guardian: Children sang a selection of Christmas musicChildren sang a selection of Christmas music (Image: Tessa Carroll Photography)

“It was our first full Christmas weekend since 2019 following the pandemic and poor weather conditions last year, so it was fantastic to finally bring back the event in full this year.

“We hope everyone had a great time welcoming in the festive season in Knutsford.”

Knutsford Guardian: A variety of artisan products were on sale at more than 130 stallsA variety of artisan products were on sale at more than 130 stalls (Image: Tessa Carroll Photography)

Duo Small Horse & The Plan entertained the crowd with a headline performance.

Lots of children visited Father Christmas in his grotto during the weekend, which raised money for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

Knutsford Guardian: Thousands of shoppers flocked into town for the two day festive eventThousands of shoppers flocked into town for the two day festive event (Image: Tessa Carroll Photography)

John Collins Funfair ran rides on Princess Street.

Get Back Band and Knutsford Beats provided live entertainment on Sunday, raising money for various charities.

The festivities continue this weekend with the mayor’s Christmas crib service on Saturday, December 10 at 4pm outside The Lost and Found.

Ministers from local churches will bless the town crib, followed by brass music, Christmas carols and mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of Knutsford Catenians.

A Christmas remembrance service follows at Knutsford Cemetery Chapel on Sunday, December 11 at 4pm, when residents can remember loved ones who have died this year.

Free parking will be available on Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17, from 10am at Silk Mill, Princess Street and King Street car parks.

Anyone wishing to provide feedback on this year’s Christmas Market can contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653929.