SANTA’S Grotto, a funfair and musical entertainment all feature as part of Crewe’s Christmas lights switch-on ceremony on Thursday, November 28.

The town council have released details of the festive extravaganza, which begins at 5.30pm with a rolling programme of entertainment on the main stage in Municipal Square.

Local jazz performer, Tom Seals, will feature among family entertainment for all ages compared by Blitz Events.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto in Market Street from 4pm, before joining The Grinch on stage to banish any lingering bah-humbugs.

The show culminates at 6.30pm, when Crewe mayor, Councillor Irene Faseyi, flicks the switch to light up the town centre and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

The illuminations centrepiece will be a 25ft Christmas tree shining out over the square.

A Christmas market will feature along Market Street and Queensway on the day. A small funfair will also be situated in Market Square The event launches the beginning of late night shopping in Crewe.

During the festive season, West Street Christian Fellowship will carry out a Christmas Nativity on several sites within the town.

Elsewhere, St Luke’s Hospice will hold a Light Up a Life event in Market Square on Thursday, December 5.

The town council stepped in to fund the £25,000 ceremony following a row with Cheshire East Council that left them £11,000 short of what they were expecting to pay.