Great British Menu's Aiden Byrne turns on Knutsford Christmas lights

Thousands of people flocked to Knutsford over the weekend for the return of the popular annual Christmas Market and lights switch-on.

It proved to be a huge success once again, with many businesses enjoying record breaking sales.

Alex Molloy, events manager at Knutsford Town Council, added: “We are so lucky to have such a brilliant community in Knutsford, that brings people in from far and wide to enjoy the atmosphere and mark the start of our festive season in this beautiful town.

“People came in their thousands with several traders reporting record breaking sales days.

“This event is a huge part of the events calendar and is only possible with the support of our sponsors, Savills, Cygnet Health, Bruntwood and Speedy Freight.

“Special thanks to Knutsford Hosts, The Rotary and The Scouts for the much-needed people power to ensure we can operate."

Knutsford's Christmas lights were switched-on on Saturday (Image: Jonathan Farber)

More than 130 stalls filled Princess Street over the weekend, offering a range of artisan products.

The Santa Parade made its way through the town on Saturday, with hundreds of people gathering on King Street to catch a glimpse of the man himself, supported by Together Knutsford.

Joining him along the way was the City of Chester Bluecoat Band, a local Brownie group, Frozen princesses Elsa and Anna, and and a cheeky bunch of elves.

The parade arrived at Canute Place for the Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm.

Mayor of Knutsford Colin Banks and his wife Christin were joined on stage by the May Queen, the Crown Bearer, and Great British Menu star Aiden Byrne.

Aiden, whose restaurant LI~LY opened last month, said: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

“Thank you Knutsford, our first Christmas with you and what a welcome!”

Councillor April Johnson added: “It was magical, and I think really started the Christmas season off with a bang.”

Chef Aiden Byrne recently opened a restaurant on King Street (Image: Jonathan Farber)

In the evening, headline act The Breakfast Club kept the crowds entertained with some well-known festive favourites.

Simon Carin, chair of trustees at The Welcome, said: “Certainly the best Christmas Market I have attended.

“Good to see the markets so busy as well. I had forgotten how good the town looks with all the Christmas lights up, it really is a great place to live.”

Mayor of Knutsford Colin Banks (Image: Jonathan Farber)

The festivities have only just gotten started, with the town’s Christmas Crib Service taking place this Saturday outside the Lost and Found.

The free-to-attend event starts at 4pm and will see the mayor join local churches, Manor Park School Choir and the City of Chester Brass Band in singing a selection of carols.