For when the switch is flipped and Knutsford's Christmas illuminations light the night sky the man who made it all possible will be somehwere else.

But what those down on the ground might not know is that Stephen Edwards will have one of the best seats in the house.

"I will be sitting on a roof somewhere just in case anything goes wrong with the electrics," he said.

Thousands of bulbs have been strung across King Street and Princess Street ready for tonight's switch-on which will be performed by town mayor Jennifer Holbrook, borough mayor Walter Wright and Tatton MP Martin Bell.

But preparing for the celebrations has been a tricky business for Stephen and his dedicated team.

They have spent a month stringing lights together and have braved the worst rainfall in 400 years to add some sparkle and spirit to Knutsford's celebrations.

"Testing the lights in all that rain has been quite dangerous," he said.

"But we couldn't afford to stop - we had to work through the worst of it."

The lights are powered by around 30 killowatts of electricity - enough energy to run a small village.

Traders in King Street have agreed to supply the power source, but will be reimbursed by the council.

Knutsford Singers and Manor Park School choir will lead the carol singing from 7pm tonight (Wednesday).

Santa Clause is also expected to make an appearance and a trophy will be presented for the best dressed shop window in town.

And this week Stephen promised the centrepiece of the decorations - a Christmas tree in Canute Square - will look better than ever after the council complained last year's was not lit up enough.

"There should be no complaints with what we have done this time," he said.