IT might still be November but in festive parlance 'it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas' in Leigh.

Crowds of shoppers flocked to cheer on Santa and his live companion reindeer as the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre’s parade flew into Leigh town centre on Saturday.

The parade was a dazzling array of sparkling colours, including Santa and his six reindeer, an ice queen, princesses, Minty the polar bear, Frosty the snowman, santa bear and his friendly lion friend.

The winners of the competition to ride with Santa in his sleigh were six year olds Sophia Todd and Callum Latheron, who were both delighted to be part of the spectacular parade.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wigan and Leigh, Cllr Bill Clarke and Mrs Joan Clarke helped Santa to turn on the shopping centre’s 30ft Christmas tree, which is adorned in 30,000 lights, 8,300 baubles, 20 wreaths and 40 garlands located around the shopping centre. 

The Old Hall Brass Band helped entertain the crowds with a musical array of Christmas carols providing a warm, wonderful end to the evening.

Centre manager Karen Cox said: “It was a magical evening with the crowds lining Leigh and at the shopping centre waiting for Santa and his magical reindeer to parade into town.

"Our festive entertainment during the day added to the excitement of Christmas arriving with families enjoying free face painting, balloon modelling and photos taken with lots of our beautiful ice queen.  A wonderful time was had by all.”

The Spinning Gate Shopping Centre’s Christmas opening hours can be found at www.spinninggate.co.uk.