THIS year's festive celebrations get underway in Ellesmere Port next week.

The town's Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Thursday, November 18.

Activities include a lantern Parade led by the giant Queen of Light puppet, free children’s rides, food and drink, and of course Father Christmas.

It all takes place on Civic Square from 4-6pm.

The Mayor of Ellesmere Port, councillor Lisa Denson, will lead the countdown to the Christmas tree being lit.

She said: "It is so good to be able to welcome families back to the Christmas lights switch on and lantern parade.

"I’m looking forward to saying hello and seeing all the smiling faces after such a tough couple of years.

"I’d like to add a special thanks to Westminster Community Primary School who have decorated the star on our tree this year."

Other Christmas events taking place in the area include:

  • Hoole Christmas Lights (Saturday 20 November)
  • Chester’s Twelve Days of Christmas (Thursday 25 November)
  • Willaston Christmas Lights (Friday 26 November)
  • Frodsham Christmas Lights (Saturday 27 November)
  • Neston Lights switch on (Saturday 27 November).

Although not compulsory, in the interests of COVID-safety anyone attending a Christmas event is encouraged to take a rapid lateral flow test beforehand, wear a face covering, particularly if it is crowded, wash hands regularly and social distance where possible.

For information about lateral flow tests and how to access them visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/c19testing.

If you do have symptoms, please do not attend. Self-isolate straightaway and book a laboratory-processed PCR test by ringing: 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test