CREWE Town Council are teaming up with traders to offer a cracking programme of activities in the run up to Christmas.

Together they hope to encourage shoppers to ‘buy local’ and set tills ringing in Crewe’s big name stores and small independent shops.

Festivities get underway on Friday, November 24 when a fun-packed lights switch-on event will offer a families a full evening’s entertainment.

There will be non-stop action from 5pm to 9pm with stilt-walkers, fire performers, free face-painting and live performances by up and coming pop singer Thomas Teago.

A Christmas Cosmopolitan Food Festival will add festive flavour to Market Street and Queensway while a Silk 106.9 presenter will entertain the crowds.

The extended programme also includes a fireworks display and dance music for the younger generation.

Over the years it has become a traditional favourite in Crewe drawing big crowds every year. Again it signals the start of late-night shopping with The Market Centre stores and many more across town open to 8pm each Thursday from November 29.

The Market Centre will step back in time from 4pm to 7pm during the switch-on event to stage a Victorian evening with a magician and parlour maid serving mince pies and mulled wine. Shops will stay open, many with Black Friday bargains on offer.

Simon Yates, Crewe Town Council leader, said: “We’re pulling out all the stops to make this the best Christmas ever and with the support of traders, we hope to increase footfall and encourage a ‘shop local’ theme.

“Losing M&S from the town centre was a blow but it’s fantastic to have a big name like Lambretta open soon after.

“With excellent rail and motorway connections, they recognised the potential of our town and now have exciting plans to include a café in the store.

“With the regeneration of the Royal Arcade site set start to next year, there are great times ahead for Crewe. Proposals to revitalise the Market Hall are also heading in the right direction.

“The town council is investing heavily in giving Crewe extra sparkle this year and shops are working together to stage festive-themed events. We hope South Cheshire people will get behind these efforts and do their shopping locally.”

The Market Centre stages a Winter Wonderland on December 10 with family attractions including gingerbread and snowmen characters as well as snow globe crafts, glitter tattoos and an Elf on a Shelf Trail.

Marketing assistant Kathryn Bain said: “Everyone in the Market Centre is looking forward to a busy festive season in Crewe. Our aim is to work together with lots of local businesses to make this year an exciting one for the town.”

Every Saturday following the switch-on, Crewe Town Council is inviting families to enjoy Christmas craft workshops and a Santa’s grotto in the town centre.

There will be a Christmas Craft Market over the weekend December 16-17 with stalls on Queensway and family entertainment on the Market Square, with Santa’s Grotto, singing performances and fairground rides.

For more on Christmas in Crewe visit www.crewetowncouncil.gov.uk