SHOPKEEPERS and residents are invited to welcome in the festive season by supporting this year’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Santa will travel through Wilmslow on his sleigh on Saturday, November 25, before the town is lit up at 5pm.

The switch-on takes place this year at South Drive alongside Hoopers, and will feature live reindeer and performances by a number of choirs.

People will be able to park for free on the day, and everyone is invited to come along to make the popular annual event one to remember.

The switch-on celebrations are organised by Wilmslow Town Council, and families will be able to see the reindeer which will draw Santa’s sleigh in a penned area at Romany’s Garden near the library from 2pm.

There will be entertainment on the stage at South Drive from 3.45pm, with the Magic Voices choir and the choir from Wilmslow High School performing carols and seasonal favourites.

It is also hoped to have a primary school performing.

Santa will tour the town from 4pm, starting from Romany’s Garden, into Park Way and towards Costa Coffee and then in front of the shops along the Alderley service road.

The sleigh will pause in South Drive before returning to Romany’s Garden. Santa will be accompanied by the winner of a competition to name his reindeer.

The deadline for entries is this Sunday, November 19, and the winner will be invited to bring a friend or family member with them.

People will be able to park on the day for free from 10am at the South Drive (Sainsbury’s), Hoopers, Rex and Spring Street car parks.

“We’ve had a lot of compliments over the years about the lights, in particular the ones in the trees,” said town clerk Matthew Jackson.

“We will also have lights in Christmas trees in Bank Square, Romany’s Garden and at Morley Green.

“The switch-on brings a lot of people into the town, and we are encouraging the businesses to get involved.”

Competition entries should be posted to - Wilmslow Town Council, Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA