Cheshire Oaks ushered in the festive season with a bang on Thursday (November 12).

A musical firework display accompanied the switch-on of its iconic Christmas tree, decked out with 100,000 twinkling fairy lights and 20,000 baubles.

The walk-in artificial tree – the largest in Europe – stands at 28m tall and weighs 18 tons.

Video Loading

The designer outlet’s popular Christmas Corner has made a return and boasts an Apres-themed bar, swing grill and vintage carousel.

Volunteers from national charity British Red Cross were on-site to collect donations from charitable shoppers as they explored the iconic tree.

Kenny Murray, centre manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “Still the UK’s first and largest designer outlet, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks proudly boasts over a quarter-million square foot of retail space, making the centre the region’s leading destination for shopping this Christmas.

Santa and his elves handed out goodies to the crowds
Santa and his elves handed out goodies to the crowds

“Our traditional and now iconic Christmas tree is always a real draw for festive shoppers, last year raising over £20,000 for regional charity The Christie, a target we hope to exceed this year as we proudly team up with the British Red Cross for another season of fundraising.”

Did you attend the switch-on? If so, please send us your pictures via Twitter @ChesterChron, Facebook or email: cheshire.news@trinitymirror.com.