Building on the success of last year, Winter Wonderland, a free-to-attend event packed with festivities for the whole family, is returning to Wilmslow from 12th – 14th December.
It’s set to be bigger, better and more magical than ever, with giant tipis, delicious festive fayre, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, a sprinkling of snow, plus a whole host of Christmas characters, workshops, live entertainment and activities.
Each evening Bank Square will be transformed into a cosy Après Ski Chalet-themed meeting place hosted by Happy Radio UK. Giant tipis will provide a snug place to meet, eat and enjoy an evening of fabulous after-shopping entertainment from local artists including singer/songwriter Imogen Paige, Sharon’s Band, Sam Q Night Patrol, The Amanda Jane Heywood Band, Lauren Lovelle and Parlaiz.
With a festive bar, live music from an incredible lineup of local musicians, performers and DJ sets from Darren Proctor 5 pm – 9 pm, plus delicious food from pop-up food vendors and local food outlets.
The event kicks off on Thursday 12th December with Happy Radio hosting local artists Imogen Paige and Sharon’s Band in the giant tipis followed by a DJ set from Darren Proctor.
Visitors can get into the Christmas spirit on Friday 13th December with Street Fest, delivered by The Market Co. a delicious selection of artisan food vendors and street food stalls spanning along Green Lane, Hawthorn Lane and Grove Street between 5 pm – 9 pm.
A day of family entertainment and activities will begin from midday on Saturday 14th December with Father Christmas and his elves in town at Santa’s Grotto located at the bottom of Grove Street. Visits to see Santa are bookable at https://wilmslowswaybetter.co.
A Gingerbread workshop featuring two life-size gingerbread characters will help children to decorate festive treats along with colouring and crafts for younger children and the chance to ‘make a Christmas wish’ to take away and leave for Santa.
Little ones can join Mrs Claus for a Christmas story, marvel at the towering candy cane stilt walkers and watch a beautiful gold mirror ballerina twirl and swirl her way around the town centre.
A children’s funfair will be situated on Grove Street open from midday to 9 pm on Saturday with smaller children’s fairground rides along Green Lane and Grove Avenue.
The free-to-attend event is funded by Wilmslow BID and proudly hosted by local radio station Happy Radio UK, in collaboration with Wilmslow’s Way Better, which is committed to supporting local businesses and bringing new footfall to the town.
Wilmslow BID Manager Lisa Russet said “We’re so excited for this year’s Winter Wonderland event which aims to bring the whole community together in the heart of Wilmslow and showcase this brilliant town as the perfect destination to spend the festive season.
“Wilmslow has so much to offer, from our brilliant local shops which offer the perfect place for some Christmas shopping, to independent restaurants and eateries many of which will be getting involved in the festivities.”
Denise Valente of The Market Co. added:
“The Market Co is thrilled to be delivering the Wilmslow Street Fest again as part of the Wilmslow Wonderland Weekend.
“Friday 13th December will see Bank Square and the surrounding areas transformed into a gourmet nirvana of scrumptious seasonal flavours. Gluhwein will be mulling, fizz will be popping, hot chocolate steaming and street foods from around the globe will be sizzling. With fabulously festive entertainment from Global Grooves and live music throughout the evening it promises to be the very best way to kick off the Christmas countdown. Grab some tinsel, find a friend or round up the whole family and come and join us for our Christmassy get-together.”
Max Eden, co-founder of Happy Radio UK, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event:
“We are thrilled to be working with Wilmslow’s Way Better to deliver this incredible new festive event for Wilmslow. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, shop local, and then enjoy the great entertainment we’ve lined up. It’s all about championing local and truly capture the magic of the season, complete with Festive Bar and local pop-up food outlets. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”
Dates: 12th, 13th, and 14th December
Location: Bank Square, Wilmslow,
Times: From 5-9 pm Thursday and Friday, midday -9pm Saturday
Ample parking can be found at Broadway Meadow car park
Wilmslow Winter Wonderland is sponsored by Savills Estate and Lettings Agent, which provides specialist support to residential buyers and sellers and those looking to let or rent in Wilmslow and the surrounding villages of Prestbury, Mobberley and Alderley Edge. Visit the Wilmslow branch on Water Lane or find out more here: https://www.savills.co.uk/
