CHESTER’S Classic Christmas celebrations continued with the city’s first Bright Night event with new light installations and the traditional lantern parade.
The annual lantern parade, with more than 100 local school children carrying their hand made lanterns through Chester city centre, started from the Forum Shopping Centre and was joined by colourful street performers.
The parade told the story of Fishing for Stars as it went round the city centre, arriving at the Cross to switch on the Christmas tree lights.
The parade ended at Chester Cathedral’s Green on St Werburgh Street, where a specially commissioned light installation brought the grounds to life. The new illuminated installation remained in place until Saturday.
The Classic Christmas events and activities are a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Renaissance, Marketing Cheshire and Chester Festivals.
A festive outdoor market arrives in Chester with stalls in front of the Town Hall from today until December 31.
This year the Christmas market will include local independent traders including fairtrade gifts, ceramics, jewellery, hats, gloves and scarves, toys and festive foods
New this Christmas is a toboggan ride and Santa’s sleigh next to the Town Hall.
The 70ft high fairground slide has a lighthouse design tracing the attraction back to 1953 where it was the centre piece of the Queen’s coronation party in Manchester.
A Santa’s grotto will be a new addition to the Town Hall Square. Tickets cost £4.50.
Deelight Weekend, described as Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will take place on Thursday, December 1, from 5-7pm; Friday, December 2, from 5-7pm; Saturday, December 3, from 2-6pm and Sunday, December 4, from noon-4.30pm.
Details of the Christmas events are available online at www.visitchester.com/christmas and also in a new Christmas magazine being distributed throughout west Cheshire.
