SALE got into the Christmas spirit on Saturday (November 30) with a packed day of festive fun.

The Square shopping centre played host to a special programme of entertainment from dance groups and Brooklands School Show Choir in the build up to the Christmas Lights Switch On.

Members of Sale Nomads flicked the switch and gave a very special take on their pantomime this year, Dick Whittington.

A very popular festive farmers market was held on School Road.

Other attractions included a special Crackers About Christmas Fair in Sale Waterside added to all that Sale had to offer, organised by Sale resident Alison Staples. Members of Love Sale were also on hand with their gifts of kindness and generosity to make people smile.

Sale Cruising Club provided a magical finale to the day. Hundreds watched as colourfully illuminated barges swept along the canal and Sale Grammar School Brass Band added a Christmas soundtrack. Santa, with the help of Trafford Housing Trust, took time out of his busy schedule to hand out gifts to children.

The event, sponsored by The Square Shopping Centre and Sale Town Partnership and supported by Trafford Council, heralds the start of the Christmas period when the shopping centre and other retailers will also be opening late till 8pm on Thursdays.

Executive Councillor Jonathan Coupe said: “Christmas is well underway in Sale and the Christmas lights have given the town that festive sparkle.”

Chris Stout, chairman of the Partnership said: :“We were overwhelmed by the number of people that turned out to support the Christmas event on Saturday, it goes from strength to strength each year. The new Christmas lights and tree along School Road really lit up to the town.”