The biting cold failed to stop people flocking to Wilmslow’s fun-packed Christmas lights switch-on on Friday.

Crowds gathered on Grove Street to watch one of last year’s X Factor finalists Lloyd Daniels flick the switch.

There was a buzz about the town as the celebrations took over the centre from 2pm with a Christmas market, entertainment from Imagine FM, and Pownall Junior School and Lacey Green Primary School choirs.

Then at 6pm, Lloyd Daniels sang live before flicking the switch which turned the centre into a blaze of colour.

He was helped by Cheshire East Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald and Father Christmas.

Coun Fitzgerald said the switch on was the best he could remember.

He said: "A lot of people have put in a lot of effort to make this happen.

"Particular thanks go to Denise Valente and Wilmslow Business Group who have been organising this spectacular event for more than a year."

It was part of a four-day Christmas festival which ended on Sunday, and also included an ice-skating rink in Bank Square and a Santa’s Grotto in Romany’s Caravan.

Ms Valente said the event was a ‘huge success’.

She said: "It went far better than any of us could have expected. Santa even ran out of Christmas presents due to the amount of chidren visiting him at the grotto. Luckily the business group was on hand and helped him out.

"The ice rink was very popular and between 600 and 700 children came to to skate on Saturday alone.

"I can’t speak for all the traders but the ones I spoke to said they were really pleased."