Northwich Christmas Celebration

Time had ticked by and we found ourselves approaching Christmas. Neither Anderton Boat Lift (nicknamed Anderton Broke Lift) or Marsh Lock had been fixed, meaning we were still on the River Weaver. We'd come to really love Northwich and it's small businesses and had been looking forward to celebrating the festive season here.

Christmas kicked off on Saturday 29th November when Will donned his novelty waistcoat with golden snowflakes on and we headed into town for the Northwich Christmas Extravaganza! The weather was cold and rainy so we wrapped up warm with waterproof clothing and began to explore the stalls. Unlike the Piña Colada Festival in summer, most of them were run by the high street shops. As frequent visitors there was little new to look at but we did enjoy a go on the free 'chuck a pudding' game and saying hi to the stallholders. The weather didn't encourage a ride on the ferris wheel so we moseyed on round to Baron's Quay where Will found a bratwurst stall for his lunch.

After warming up on Rainboat we walked to the Harlequin Theatre where we'd booked seats for the matinée performance of The Hogfather, adapted from a Terry Pratchett discworld novel. We'd watched the small company's performance of 1982 the pervious month and it had been top notch so we were really looking forward to this. We weren't disappointed. It was a high quality adaptation with humour and great acting.

From the theatre we went straight to Waitrose car park and the start of the lantern parade. Volunteers were giving out free mince pies and mulled wine and children were attaching their handmade lanterns to sticks. Snow geese floated above the crowd on flexible poles and soon a giant snow queen puppet led the procession up the high street to the sound of drum beats from the marching band in Christmas fancy dress. It was an amazing atmosphere, with crowds lining the walkway and turning in to follow on behind. Everyone assembled in the square at Baron's Quay where a Radio Northwich DJ was broadcasting from the stage and lights bedecked a large Christmas tree ready to turn on. By this time we were both very cold. With fireworks due to accompany the lighting of the tree we made our way back to the furries so we'd be there to reassure them. The big switch on was broadcast on Facebook and we watched the fireworks from the boat while Leo and Tiger happily tucked into peanut butter licky mats. Thank you Northwich. What a way to kick off the Christmas season!Read more