COVID-19 meant the annual Christmas Market at Culcheth, and the formal switching-on of the festive lights, had to be cancelled.
But after a number of residents requested that the lights be switched on earlier than usual to provide some festive cheer, the lights at both Culcheth and Glazebury were switched on simultaneously.
Cucheth and Glazebury Parish Council chairman Peter Holmes and parish clerk Tina Rogers-Smith were able to organise the switch-on early, even though a schedule for the switch on had already been agreed.
Cllr Holmes said: “It is hoped the lights will have a positive psychological effect and boost every in the villages, as our residents had suggested.”
It is anticipated next year there will be a return of the Christmas Market event in which the switch-on plays an important role.
Cllr Holmes added: “The market plays an important part for local businesses, and it is hoped that we can have a large and successful Christmas market in 2021 in order to make up for the loss of the 2020 event.”
The council has sent its wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year to all residents – together with a final request to “stay safe, think of others, and look after your neighbours.”
