Huge Market Drayton Christmas tree erected ahead of popular Festival of Lights this weekend

The tree on Cheshire Street that has been donated by Hales Sawmills was erected on Monday, and will be lit up on Saturday during the North Shropshire town's big Christmas lights switch-on event. 

Market Drayton Town Council is providing free parking at the event after picking up a £400 tab from Shropshire Council.

Meanwhile, the town's rotary club is providing Santa's grotto at the Town Hall, and there will also be Morris dancing, a brass band, fire eating, donkey and fairground rides, entertainers and much more in a packed town centre brimming with market stalls.

Town mayor Roy Aldcroft is looking forward to seeing the town lit up this weekend and is grateful for sponsors.

He said: "The tree is looking good. We couldn't do it without them [sponsors] and it really does add to the festive spirit when you can gather around the tree at the Buttercross and sing your jolly heart out. 

"We hope that everybody who has a market stall at the Festival of Lights and who is visiting has a really good day - and let's just pray for the weather. It would be nice to have some sunshine in the day!"

Kevin and Tim Plews from Plews Brothers Ltd, who have provided the stage at the Christmas lights switch-on event, added: "We are pleased to support the Market Drayton Town Council in the Christmas Light Switch On. We are providing the stage once again to this wonderful community project helping to promote the town and all its traders."