Runcorn sparkled and shone on Friday night at the Runcorn Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On Event

Local residents and businesses were asked what they wanted to see and the list ranged from asking Father Christmas to visit to having baubles on the tree instead of just lights.

A smaller, less spread out and community focused event was requested so the whole event was moved to the library and space around it.

Father Christmas was invited and one of his senior elves, Elfie, stepped in to do some face painting, accompanied by his very tall daughter who came on her stilts to walk around the town centre and spread good cheer.

There were rides for little ones and games for all to enjoy as well as Christmas Carols from Highfields Male Voice Choir. Local shops stayed open and provided festive cheer by introducing their additional Christmas ranges and the Old Town looked its best.

Belle and French Franc heard that we had a lot of visitors in the Town Centre so popped down from The Brindley. where they were rehearsing the panto, to join in the fun and had photographs taken with residents well as with Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr John and Marjorie Bradshaw.

As well as traditional Christmas characters, Runcorn’s very own Blue Wizard took part and this was topped with the Halton Borough Council Libraries team introducing a range of Christmas books for all to enjoy, accompanied by a very handsome macaw parrot called Zazoo (pictured)

Have a look at some of the photographs and see if you can spot yourselves and feel free to Tweet your own using #RuncornChristmas and we will share a selection.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for the Physical Environment, Cllr Ron Hignett, said: “The event seemed to be popular and people really got into the Christmas spirit. We will aim to build on this format next year.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Halton Borough Council’s Library staff who did a great job on the night, and really got into the spirit of the occasion.”

‘Red Dress’ singer Amelle Berrabah will star in the glittering production. She joined the Sugababes in 2005 after their manager had seen her perform years earlier as a member of Amelle’s first band, Boo2.

The Sugababes went onto worldwide success with selling more than 12 million albums, over 26 top 10 singles and two number one hits.

Beauty And The Beast, presented by Polka Dot Pantomines, runs from 10 December 2018 to 13 January 2019

For tickets and Information www.thebrindley.org.uk 0151 907 8360