Newton-le-Willows Christmas Markets sees biggest turnout yet

The annual markets, which had a smaller display set up last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, saw Newton High Street filled with stalls set up by independent businesses and festive locals.

The five-hour-long event, sponsored by local businesses and organisations including Shakey J's, House of Glam, and Parkside, was described as the biggest and busiest one yet, with both business owners and residents ecstatic for the much-loved Christmas Markets to return to Newton.

Festive markets were set up at The Oak Tree, The Verona, The Pied Bull, and Subway car parks, with other stalls set up throughout the high street.

Stallholders at The Verona car park (Image: Catrin Jones)

Alison Wilson, co-owner of the Riddling Rack who had a stall at the event, said: "As always, it’s exciting as ever to be in the Christmas Markets in Newton; it’s great to see the community out supporting everybody and enjoying the whole Christmas spirit.

Riddling Rack had a stall at the Pied Bull car park (Image: Catrin Jones)

"It’s continuing to grow and expand; it’s a testament to the High Street Hive and a testament to the community and to all the local businesses.

"It’s great for local businesses to link up with the community and it’s great for the community to support us."

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The markets also offered an opportunity for online businesses to showcase their homemade products, with Sharon Schofield, owner of Adoré My Wreath's, setting up her stall filled with festive decorations.

Sharon filled her stall with homemade products (Image: Catrin Jones)

Sharon started her business during lockdown and is now hoping to go to "bigger and better things".  

She said: "I like making the Christmas stuff and making them different. It’s been really good for the business, and really nice to see lots of people buying stuff."

One of the notable guest appearances at the event was Santa, who was spotted on his sleigh outside Pied Bull ready to greet families.

Santa had parked his sleigh in Newton for the day (Image: Catrin Jones)

The event also had live performances from NADOS and the Valley Brass Band, with their Christmas numbers creating the ultimate festive atmosphere.

Amidst the crowd were the Newton-le-Willows Dog Walking team taking pictures with furry friends.

The Newton dog walker had help from two elves (Image: Catrin Jones)

The festive day came to a close with the high street’s Christmas lights switch on which took place outside St Peter’s Church, where crowds of people gathered to spectate.