Ellesmere Port Christmas light switch on and lantern parade

Christmas festivities start in Ellesmere Port on Thursday 18th November as the Christmas lights are switched on.

The activities include a lantern Parade led by the giant Queen of Light puppet, there will also be free children’s rides, food and drink plus of course Father Christmas. Activities start on the Civic Square from 4pm until 6pm.

The Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Councillor Lisa Denson will lead the countdown to the Christmas tree being lit. Said Councillor Denson: “It is so good to be able to welcome families back to the Christmas lights switch on and lantern parade. I’m looking forward to saying hello and seeing all the smiling faces after such a tough couple of years.

“I’d like to add a special thanks to Westminster Community Primary School who have decorated the star on our tree this year.”

Other Christmas events include Hoole Christmas Lights (Saturday 20 November), Chester’s Twelve Days of Christmas (Thursday 25 November), Winsford Christmas Lights (Friday 26 November), Willaston Christmas Lights (Friday 26 November), Frodsham Christmas Lights (Saturday 27 November), Northwich Christmas Lights (Saturday 27 November), Neston Lights switch on (Saturday 27 November).

Although not compulsory, in the interests of COVID-safety anyone attending a Christmas event is encouraged to take a rapid lateral flow test beforehand, wear a face covering, particularly if it is crowded, wash hands regularly and social distance where possible.

Around one in three people have COVID-19 without any symptoms. A lateral flow test is designed to identify these cases and prevent anyone from spreading the virus unknowingly. For information about lateral flow tests and how to access them visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/c19testing.

If you do have symptoms, please do not attend. Self-isolate straightaway and book a laboratory-processed PCR test by ringing: 119 or visiting:

http://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test