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Christmas started officially in Alderley Edge when football star Edwin van der Sar switched on the village lights.

The countdown was in good hands when the Manchester United goalie and Alderley resident stepped up to flick the switch, joined by the winners of this year’s schools poster competition.

Zoe Fogg, seven, from Alderley Edge School for Girls and Amaya Gavin, also seven, from Alderley Edge Community Primary School, won the competition to promote the event.

Crowds enjoyed performances by the Alderley Edge School for Girls jazz band, Alderley District Scout Band and young singer Clarissa Hayward.

Canalside Radio were present and among the businesses helping out were G Wienholt bakery with mince pies and The Bubble Room with mulled wine. KJB builders provided a prize of a ‘builder for a day’ in the raffle and The Fruitcake Cafe offered free face-painting.
The event is organised and paid for by traders association the Alderley Edge Action group, who provided the hog roast.

Mitch Gilbert, chairman, said:  “The event seems to be getting bigger each year and we try to do something a bit different each time.

“It was fabulous. Of course, it’s nice to have a footballer to add to the atmosphere and sign autographs but it's not about the celebrity – it’s a way of saying thank you to our customers for shopping in the village.

“I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.”