Illuminating start to Christmas
Ellesmere's spectacular winter festival drew the crowds on Friday bringing a boost for local traders.
Shops stayed open for the festivities which included a magnificent lantern parade. At the head of the parade, organised by the Fizzgiggs art group was a walking, illuminated unicorn which pulled Santa's sleigh.
There was also a huge caterpillar, led through the town by several volunteers, a dragonfly and other lanterns made in workshops leading up to the event.
The lantern parade set off from The Wharf after Santa arrived on a narrowboat on the Llangollen Canal.
A recently formed local band played carols, schoolchildren sang and donkeys gave rides along the main street.
There was also a packed Christmas market and Santa's grotto.
Graham Lyth who took photographs of the evening said: "The whole parade was fabulous, and the unicorn pulling santa was absolutely stunning."
One of the organisers, Ismay Evans, said: "A big thank you to fellow Chamber of Commerce members who took part, Ellesmere Rotary Club, the carnival committee, Fizzgigs , Town Council, Winston Trees, Ellesmere Ladies Rangers Football club and anyone else who helped with the run up to the event and the event itself.
