Christmas celebrations in Frodsham and Helsby are almost here.

We are in for a festive feast with two separate switch-ons a week apart.

Frodsham’s annual spectacular is coming later this month on November 26.

Helsby will also host its own extravaganza on December 3.

The Frodsham Christmas Festival returns and promises to be bigger than ever.

Including a festive market, Santa’s Grotto, funfair and live music it is sure to attract plenty of visitors.

Frodsham Christmas float raised £5,700 for charity

The lights switch-on ‘Parade of Reindeer’ tour of the town will begin from 6.30pm, finishing in Castle Park with a fireworks display.

Inspired by the lack of a Christmas event last year, the Ho Ho Helsby campaign group has sprung into action to bring festive cheer to the village.

Ho Ho Helsby chairwoman Dianne Walker said: “There were a couple of comments last year and a few of us decided to something positive.

“All the way through we’ve been adamant this is a community event and we want to keep it all about the community.

“It’s going to be something which is accessible for everybody.

“We hope it will be a good event and hopefully we can carry it forward into further years.”

Ho Ho Helsby committee members Cllr Alan McKie, Michelle Massey, Diane Ormrod, Dianne Walker and Cllr Terry O'Neill break the ground for the village Christmas tree

The 14-strong Ho Ho Helsby group has met throughout the year in their spare time putting the plans together.

Dianne, an accountant, is part of a ‘range of skills’ the organisers can call upon including management and legal expertise.

She added she felt like a ‘relative newbie’ to Helsby compared to the others, despite living in the village for 20 years.

The big day itself will feature a procession, carol singing, a fair and plenty of festive food.

Dianne said: “It’s been good to get a lot of businesses involved. It shows they are really behind the concept.

“It was difficult to fundraise in the Spring as people aren’t really thinking about Christmas, but it has gone really well.

“We are happy now, but there have been some sleepless nights over it.”

For more information visit hohohelsby.co.uk and frodsham.gov.uk.