ALTRINCHAM town centre is gearing up for a fun-filled season of festive events - beginning with the big Christmas lights switch-on on November 18 in Stamford Square.

The afternoon will see schools, choirs and dance troupes on stage for a musical extravaganza building up to the early evening celebrations.

From 4.30pm Key 103’s Breakfast Team of Mike Toolan, Matt Haslem and Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent will take to the stage to host a switch-on show jam-packed with entertainment for all the family.

Organised by Altrincham Unlimited, in partnership with the Stamford Quarter shopping centre and Key 103, the free hour-long event will include performances from talented singer Christian Smith, CBeebies favourite Mr Bloom, up-and-coming Manchester boy band Yes Lad, Altrincham’s very own Little Belters children’s choir and some special guests to flick the all-important switch at around 5.30pm.

Christmas lights in Altrincham have been funded by Altrincham’s Business Improvement District (BID) and the Stamford Quarter shopping centre, and the switch-on is just the start of festivities in the town centre this year.

Further highlights will include a twinkling town-wide Lantern Parade on December 2, Christmas Markets every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from November 21 and pop-up Santa’s Grottos on Saturdays November 18 and 25 and December 2 and 9.

Linda Roy, communications manager for Altrincham Unlimited said: “We had a fantastic Christmas in Altrincham last year, with record footfall over the festive trading period, so the challenge is now on to make this year even bigger and better, and build on that success.

“With that in mind we’ve been hard at work on two major events for Altrincham this Christmas; bringing the Key 103 team to help us switch on the Christmas lights, and introducing a brand-new event with the town-wide Christmas Lantern Parade on December 2.

“For shopping, food and drink and a great night out, Altrincham just goes from strength to strength and we’re looking forward to another wonderful Christmas season.”

For full details of all festive events in Altrincham this year visit www.altrinchamunlimited.co.uk.

Robert Fusco, general manager of the Stamford Quarter shopping centre, said: “This has been an exciting year for the Stamford Quarter, with a number of excellent new openings that have significantly enhanced our retail offer.

"The Christmas Lights Switch-On is always a highlight of the Altrincham calendar and we’re delighted to be hosting the event again this year.”