Hundreds turn out to celebrate the twinkling festive lights

15:52, 17 Dec 2025Updated 09:13, 18 Dec 2025

Christmas lights are back on Timperley – after four years

It’s been four years since Christmas lights lit up the village of Timperley.

But the land of Frank Sidebottom – the iconic comedian with a papier-mache head – was sent into raptures when hundreds of people turned out on a rainy Saturday night to see the twinkling lights shine again.

And it was right next to the Sidebottom statue that the children’s choir from Altrincham’s ‘The Music Place’ and two Shetland ponies, named Bear and Minnie, heralded the big switch on.

Tracey Lovell, left, and Rebecca Green with Minnie and Bear, the Shetland ponies

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts to get the lights back have been hailed by local Trafford councillor Shaun Ennis, who is also the leader of the Liberal Democrat group.

He praised the recently reformed Timperley Civic Society for its efforts in raising the funds to support the event.

Coun Ennis said: “It’s thanks to numerous small donations from the public and the Civic Society, who own the lights, for organising this so quickly and getting the lights back on. We are so grateful to them.”

The society’s event organiser, Matt Sellars, enthused: “It’s been a wonderful day in Timperley, and I’m so pleased that so many people have come out to take part.

“I want to thank everyone who helped deliver a full day of activities and entertainment across Timperley and the hundreds of people who turned out to see the lights.

The crowds in the centre of Timperley village await the switching on of the Christmas lights

“We love our village and it’s our hope that events like this bring people together and support the local businesses.

“It’s been great to get the local businesses involved, and all the donations from the public have been amazing. This year, we’ve invested in lights that we can keep for future years instead of renting like in previous years– it’s a real step forward for the village.”

Anticipation of the big switch-on was high as the nearby Stonemason’s pub was packed in the hours before the event.

Sally Boljare and husband Steve were among the people crammed into the pub.

Sally and Steve Boljare

“We don’t normally come in here,” said Sally. “It’s a gorgeous little village. We’ve lived here all our and Seve was born here. We thought we’d support it, and great to feel part of the community.”

Dawn and Lee Oxley and Julie Lester were among the crowd eagerly awaiting the big switch on. “It’s fantastic to see so many people here,” said Dawn.

From left Dawn Oxley, Lee Oxley And Julie Lester

Curate the Rev Mike Duncombe from Bowdon Parish Church of St Mary’s and St Luke’s added his approval, as the choir of young voices led by Claire Morrell struck up.

“It’s fantastic for the local community,” he said. “And it’s a joy to see at this wonderful time of year.”

Meanwhile, in Altrincham business leaders are reporting a boost to visitor numbers following the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Managers of the regenerated Stamford Quarter shopping area say half a million more visitors have visited so far in 2025 – a 14 per cent increase on 2024 – with numbers ramping up further in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Property company Bruntwood has counted more than 4m visitors since January, drawn in by the town’s mix of independent shops, national brands, eateries and services.

The Christmas lights of Altrincham. Image: Altrincham BID

The ‘Neon Noel’ Christmas light switch-on attracted huge crowds, followed by a Lantern Parade and Nativity on Saturday (December 13).

Altrincham BID (Business Improvement District) says 2024/25 saw 8.4m visitors to the high street, representing a 5.7pc increase on the previous year after similar rises, year on year, from 2016.

Leaders say that central to Altrincham’s newfound success is a ‘juxtaposition’ of old and new retailers, independent and national chains – all pulling together with the BID to help stage events and special attractions all year round, never more so at this time of year.

The Christmas lights of Altrincham. Image: Altrincham BID

Jake Shoes recently celebrated 50 years of trading. Set up by the Bland family, who wanted to bring quirky London styles to the north, the shop continues to thrive. Owner Maisy Bland said: “It has been lovely over recent years to see more and more shops opening around us, bringing a whole host of new faces into our town.

“We are excited to continue trading in Altrincham and to be part of such a welcoming community who have truly embraced us and continues to support us every day.”

One such new business is Nell’s Pizza. Manager Thomas Markiewicz said: “We’ve just celebrated our first birthday in Altrincham. We were drawn in by the regeneration and rejuvenation of the Stamford Quarter, which is a great, family-friendly place for us that really champions independent businesses.

“We get such a varied crowd, and people really appreciate what we do. The businesses here work together to put on events and happenings and make sure there is a community feel. No business is just out for themselves.”

The Christmas lights of Altrincham. Image: Altrincham BID

Another new business is Share Your Story, which works with local people to help them do just that in photos, video, audio or writing.

Owner Simon Hepburn said: “Recently, there’s been a huge increase in Altrincham’s cultural and creative offerings. For example, you can follow an art trail from the Town Hall across 37 town centre locations, visit our galleries, cinemas and theatres, and take place in many creative activities, from pottery to sewing, film photography to cartoon drawing.

“We’re excited that Share Your Story is at the heart of this change, helping people start their creative journey with the latest equipment, courses and a Creative Hub that offers space for photography, podcasting and video creation.”

Stalwart brands such as Boots help to complete the picture. Sharon Hulme, manager at the Altrincham store, said: “I have worked for Boots all over Greater Manchester and Altrincham is my favourite place. It’s the nicest community of all the ones I’ve spent time in – and our customers are adorable.

“The vibe in the town is just really relaxed. People can come here for whatever they want and need instead of going into the city. People talk about the independent shops, but the chain stores, too, are a central part of the community.

“We are proud of our community pharmacy work, we support the NHS by doing blood pressure checks, we raise money for charity and we work with the police to keep the town centre safe for everyone who comes here.”

The success of Altrincham as a shopping and leisure destination fits in with the council’s priority for a thriving economy and top-class leisure and culture for all, say town hall bosses

Coun Liz Patel, Trafford council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “Altrincham is a great place to visit and stay a while, but that doesn’t happen by itself – it’s down to the hard work of the retailers and businesses here, with the support of the BID and the council and other partners. We’re delighted to see the ongoing success of the town.”