Crowds turned out as Christmas arrived in Ellesmere Port town centre.
They gathered on the civic square ready for the popular lantern parade and the switch-on of the Christmas tree by mayor Peter Rooney.
The procession of excited youngsters formed up outside the library accompanied by giant frosty figures and the not-to-be missed sound of a band of drummers.
The parade then wound its way across the square with its Christmas chalets before moving through the Port Arcades and returning to the festivities along part of Whitby Road.
Festive features were projected on to the front of the civic hall as the countdown to the switch on by Cllr Rooney, accompanied by mayoress Mrs Sharon Rooney, reached its climax.
The lights sprang into life to cheers.
Earlier children had been singing carols in the Port Arcades.
Following the event, the Ellesmere Port Locality team posted: “The Ellesmere Port Locality team would like to thank each and every one of you who took part or attended last night’s lantern parade and switch on.
“It was wonderful to see so many people on the civic square.
“The Christmas Village and Father Christmas will stay until December 22 with some stalls regularly changing their goods.”
