THE crowds turned out in force for one of the biggest events in Altrincham's calendar on Saturday - the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

And there were some special surprise guests at the show - Star Wars cosplayers, including Darth Vader and Princess Leia.

THE festive season certainly kicked off in style with the packed day in Altrincham as visitors flocked in their thousands to a day of town centre entertainment, culminating in a fantastic early evening show hosted by Key 103.

Throughout the day the Stamford Quarter shopping centre played host to a troop of larger than life Star Wars characters, courtesy of North West cos players Imperial Order 66, while on stage in Stamford Square visitors enjoyed a festive musical showcase from schools and choirs.

Highlights included the Music Place choir and Broomwood School’s choir and street dance squad, and the whole afternoon programme was presented by Wellington School students Lottie Warburton and Jordan Roberts, who lent their services to promote the school’s ambitious £80,000 fundraising target in its 80th year.

By the time Key 103’s Breakfast Team of Mike Toolan, Matt Haslam and Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent took to the stage for the big evening show, Stamford Square was packed with an enthusiastic crowd.

Everyone was treated to brilliant performances from singer Christian Smith, CBeebies Mr Bloom, talented boy band Yes Lad and Altrincham favourites Little Belters. There was also an appearance from Santa, and cos players Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and Princess Leia were back on stage for the big switch-on!

Altrincham Unlimited communications manager, Linda Roy, said: “This was one of our best ever switch-on events in Altrincham. The Star Wars cos players were a huge hit, drawing crowds everywhere they went, and the community contribution was exceptionally good this year, with stirring performances from all the choirs and expert hosting from Wellington School.

"It was great to have Key 103 in town too – their presence definitely added to the excitement - and the evening show went down a treat. Footfall was up 29 per cent on the same Saturday last year - a fantastic start to the Christmas trading season in Altrincham.”