THE organising committee of the hugely-popular Ellesmere Winter Festival has thanked the town for showing up in great numbers for the annual celebrations.
The celebrations returned to the town on Friday to kickstart Christmas with a lantern parade through the streets, while fake snow was pumped out for that festive feel.
Committee members thanked all those who took part, and paid special tribute to Fizzgigs and the Carnival Committee for their help in organising events.
A spokesman for the organising Committee said: "Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce along with community groups such as Fizzgigs, Ellesmere Carnival committee, Ellesmere Rotary and many others are delighted with this year's Winter Festival.
"We saw Ellesmere come together, bringing a real community festive spirit to the town with many locals showing support for the event joined by others from far and wide.
"It has been brilliant to see so many local traders do so well in the market hall, shops, bars and restaurants busy with trade as well as the community arts parade, that many of us love, brought to life with Fizzgigs and the carnival committee.
"The 2022 event co-ordinated by Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce, has seen amazing support from the groups involved, and without these groups the event wouldn't be what it is.
"ECC would like to thank; Ellesmere Carnival committee, Ellesmere Rotary Club, Hunter Management Group Ltd, Matt Howard, Fizzgigs Community Arts, Ellesmere Town Council, and of course the local residents, shops, hospitality venues and visitors to the town.
"Thank you all for bringing the festivities to Ellesmere."
Councillor Anne Wignall, Ellesmere mayor, was on hand to lead the parade and thanked all those who came.
She said: "There is so much going on and none of it would happen without the help of so many people.
"I would like to thank Rotary, Fizzgigs, the Carnival Committee, the choirs and musicians, Matt Howard for the sound production, Steve Jones from Winston Christmas tree farm, the town council for the lights, and all the local businesses for their hard work."
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