Thousands flocked to Macclesfield town centre to welcome in Christmas.

The town’s Christmas lights burst into life on Saturday with a festive celebration in the Market Place.

There was a Christmas market and craft fair during the day, with street performers, choirs and a brass band entertaining the visitors.

Teen rock band The New Hope Club brought with them a following of fans, some of whom waited at the stage from around 11am and travelled from as far away as London, Derby and Preston.

There was also live entertainment from the Macclesfield Youth Brass Band, the Cygnet Singers, MADS, Rokit, Macclesfield Music Centre, Callum Jackson and the Mydel Choir.

There were fairground rides and free kids face painting and balloon modelling, before Father Christmas was given the honour of turning on the lights at 5pm.

Despite the thronging crowds and excitement, DJ Dane Swindells, from Silk FM, led a successful attempt at the Mannequin Challenge, a viral video craze which involves people imitating mannequins and freezing for the camera while music plays in the background.

But the climax to the day, which saw around 4,000 people attend, was a spectacular fireworks display.

Pete Turner, Macclesfield town clerk, said: “The event well very well. We had the weather on our side and enjoyed a busy town centre all day.

“We believe there were around 4,000 people passing through Market Place taking advantage of the event, with close to 2,000 on the square to witness the big switch on climax.

“All in all, we are very happy with how the day went and hope that everyone found something they could enjoy.”