The popular event will be free to attend
The Christmas lights in Altrincham town centre will be switched on this year by two big names(Image: Visit Altrincham/Altrincham BID)
A major Manchester United footballer and a Coronation Street legend have both been announced as turning on a big Christmas lights display next week.
Altrincham will host its own Christmas Lights Switch-On event next Saturday (November 22) with a free Neon Noel celebration featuring live music and festive performances.
Taking place at Regent Road and George Street in the town centre, the switch-on event will take on a vibrant neon theme with a main stage, face painting, choirs and appearances from beloved characters throughout, including Bluey, Stitch and, of course, Santa.
Organised by Altrincham BID, the team behind Visit Altrincham, the main stage will also feature iconic dance anthems from Luzahnn of Livin’ Joy, who were behind major hits like Dreamer and Don’t Stop Movin’.
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Manchester United midfielder Matheus Cunha will switch on the Christmas Lights in Altrincham(Image: Getty Images)
But the Trafford town’s Christmas lights will be turned on by a celebrity duo that nobody could have ever expected – Sam Aston and Matheus Cunha.
Sam will be familiar to most people for his role as Chesney in Coronation Street, who made his first appearance on the ITV soap’s famous cobbles back in 2003. Earlier this year, Sam, 32, won skating reality show Dancing on Ice.
For the great honour of switching on Altrincham’s lights, Sam will be joined by Manchester United Premier League footballer Matheus. Originally from Brazil, Matheus joined the Reds this summer as part of a major five-year deal.
Sam Aston won this year’s Dancing on Ice with his dance partner Molly Lanaghan(Image: ITV/Dancing on Ice)
Prior to that, he has played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atlético Madrid, as well as RB Leipzig and Hertha BSC. In 2020, Matheus, 26, won a gold medal with the Brazil under-23 team at the Summer Olympics.
The free-to-attend family event will run from 2.45pm until 6pm, and will also feature performances from Little Belters, The Music Place Choir, Altrincham Garrick Show Choir, Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre, Cardwell Theatre School and The Randalls Band
The Neon Noel event, held in partnership with Happy Radio, will also feature neon or glitter face painting from the team at Revive Hair and Beauty. This will be priced at £3, with only cash accepted.
The switch on event will take place on November 22 from 2.45pm(Image: Visit Altrincham/Altrincham BID)
Mandy White, Altrincham BID Director, said: “Neon Noel is a fantastic way to start the festive season in Altrincham. We’re encouraging everyone to come along, grab their glow sticks, dress up in bright colours and enjoy an afternoon of music, fun and community spirit.
“Make a day of it – enjoy some early Christmas shopping, lunch in one of Altrincham’s cafés or restaurants, then stay for the big switch-on celebration, and continue your evening in the town.”
The Neon Noel event will take place in Altrincham town centre on Saturday, November 22 from 2.45pm.
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