FRODSHAM Christmas Festival promises a seasonal sack of fun for thousands of residents and visitors expected to gather for the town celebrations.

A host of attractions, including the Christmas Lights switch on and Santa’s Reindeer Parade - are lined up for the annual two-day event, starting on Friday, November 25 with an Antiques and Collectibles Fair at Castle Park from 2pm to 8pm.

A Food and Craft Market will also run from 2pm to 9pm on Friday at the old Gleaves site on the station car park behind the Helter Skelter pub, with more than 30 stalls selling gifts and local produce, and hot and cold food and drink will be available. Father Christmas will also be there in his charity fundraising grotto, and local school choirs and dance groups will be performing all day.

Main Street will be bustling from 4pm with street entertainers, fairground rides and local choirs and bands performing on stage, and local charities and groups promoting their activities.

Les Harris Jewellers will be hosting live jazz performances and offering complimentary mince pies and Buck’s Fizz, and St Laurence’s Church Christmas Fair will be open at the Parish Hall in Church Street from 6-9pm.

The town council Christmas Lights Switch-On is at 6.30pm with Mayor Andrew Dawson and Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans, followed by fireworks, and Santa’s Reindeer Parade at 7pm.

The parade will travel from Castle Park along Main Street to the Bear’s Paw traffic lights and back. Led by the Karamba Samba Band, it will include a vintage bus, Deva Cheerleaders and schoolchildren with their handmade lanterns.

Festival attractions on Saturday, November 26 include a Christmas Market , children’s entertainment and seasonal refreshments at Lady Heyes Centre, Kingsley Road, from 10am to 5pm, and Gleaves Food and Craft Market will also be open again at Castle Park between 6pm and 9pm.

Castle Park will also become an Enchanted Park for the evening, and families are invited to enjoy a magical night time stroll through the woodland between 6pm and 9pm in an illuminated fairytale setting of The Snow Queen. This free event is hosted by Cheshire West and Chester Council and will include medieval entertainment.

Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult, and visitors are advised to wrap up warm , wear sturdy footwear and bring a torch.

An Advent Box Competition will also run throughout the Christmas period. Spot all 24 decorated boxes displayed in shop windows around Frodsham to win a prize. Entry forms are available from Dandelion Toys and Gifts and Millmark Foods.