KNUTSFORD is preparing for a festive season for shopping, entertainment and celebration.

The town’s Christmas market returns next month with a feast of gift ideas and treats.

Finest artisan stalls will line the streets on Saturday, November 30 from 12 noon until 7pm and on Sunday, December 1, from 11am to 4pm.

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A selection of street food, cocktails, beers, mulled wine and coffee will be available each day, alongside an array of clothes, candles, home and lifestyle items, trinkets and jewellery.

Children from local primary schools will be staging live entertainment on Saturday, November 30.

Pupils will be dancing and singing as they perform festive favourites.

Excitement will mount as the town counts down to the big light switch on.

Santa will ride on his sleigh along King Street and Minshull Street at 5.30pm.

Disney princess characters Anna and Elsa from Frozen will join the City of Chester Brass Band for the festive procession.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by Knutsford mayor Cllr Colin Banks in Canute Place at 6pm.

The Breakfast Club will be headlining the event.

Children’s Adventure Farm Trust will be raising money in this year’s grotto on Silk Mill Street, outside the Market Hall.

This charity provides enriching experiences for children under 17 impacted by illness, disability, or social disadvantage.

The grotto will be open on Saturday, November 30 from 12 noon to 4pm and on Sunday, December 1, from 11am to 4pm.

No booking is necessary.

Knutsford Town Council is grateful to sponsors without whom the festive weekend would not be possible.

Special thanks to Savills for sponsoring the Christmas lights switch on, Bruntwood for funding the lights, Speedy Freight for providing a tree and Cygnet Health for paying for the Christmas Market.

This year’s community crib service will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 4pm.

The mayor’s chaplain will bless the town crib and Christmas carols will be sung, supported by the City of Chester Brass Band.

All are welcome.