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Roary lights up your Xmas

3/12/2002

THE countdown to Christmas has begun and an all-star cast will kick-off the festive season in style - by lighting up the town centre.

Ronald McDonald will join a group of special guests in switching on the town's Christmas decorations on Thursday, December 5.

He will form a VIP group with Sir Nicholas Winterton MP and the Mayor of Macclesfield Councillor Diana Millett to flick the switch on the town's illuminations.

His costumed companions will include Santa Claus and Roary the Lion from Macclesfield Town FC.

Hundreds of residents are expected to turn out and watch the ceremony - which promises to be more colourful than ever before.

McDonalds owner Andy Charalambous is helping to organise the event. He said: "As part of the opening of our own Christmas period I thought we could enhance the event this year.

"Silk FM came on board and a couple of others as well and hopefully it will be an exciting evening for all.

"We had 2,000 people last year but it would be nice to attract even more this time and there's a lot more on offer.

"We at McDonalds really want to help put something back into this community and put a smile on people's faces."

A giant Christmas tree in the Market Place will be lit up as well as lights on the front of the Town Hall and fairy lights across the streets.

DJ Nick Wright from Silk FM will be getting the crowd warmed up from 4.30pm and there will be competitions held with prizes including food vouchers for McDonalds on Mill Street.

They can be collected from Woolworths, WH Smith, Marks & Spencer and Boots in the town.

The McDonalds restaurant will be opening on Sunday, December 8, 15 and 22, between 10am and 4pm.

As well as the illuminating event, shops in Macclesfield will be opening late for last-minute Christmas shoppers.

They will be open until 9pm on Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19 when there will be free parking in the town from 3pm.