Christmas light switch-ons across the North West
The Christmas lights may have already been switched on in Manchester and Liverpool, but here are a selection of other events you can head to in the area to get you in the festive spirit.
Greater Manchester
Bolton – Town centre – November 17
Cycling’s golden couple Jason Kenny and Laura Kenny, who boast 10 Olympic gold medals between them, will switch on Bolton’s Christmas lights at 7pm. Beforehand, crowds will be treated to free performances from a range of local acts from 5pm and the display will end with fireworks from the roof of the town hall.
Stockport – Merseyway Shopping Centre – November 16
Merseyway Shopping Centre will get the people of Stockport into the festive spirit from 5pm. There will be a range of live entertainment, with performances from Union J, Stooshe and a range of other local acts. The lights will be switched on at 6.55pm.
Oldham – Parliament Square – November 20
TV favourites Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol, Britain’s Got Talent’s dancing Stormtroopers, Boogie Storm, and Oldham’s very own Ollie and Millie will kick start the fun in Oldham from 1pm. Christmas lights will be switched on 4.45pm and will end with a firework display.
Salford – Salford Shopping Centre – November 26
There is set to be live music and performances and the opportunity for the children to meet and greet some of their favourite characters in Salford. There will also be on-stage competitions and the switch on will be from special guests.
Cheshire
Chester – Chester Town Hall – November 17
Chester will be host to the Christmas light switch on parade this year. The parade invites you to find Santa as you travel through the streets of the city from Chester Town Hall watching the ’12 Days of Christmas’ parade unveiling around you.
Altrincham – Town centre – November 19
Take a lantern along to Shaw’s Road ready for the Parade of Light which will depart at 4.30 to make the journey to Stamford Square to enjoy entertainment from local acts and the cast of Altrincham’s Little Theatre’s Frozen and the Little Belters children’s choir. The lights will be switched on by a celebrity guest alongside the winner of Altrincham Unlimited’s Christmas Star competition.
Crewe – Market Square – November 25
From 5pm, there will be music on stage from TheFunkyChoir and Paul Snook Band as well as fairground rides, character meet and greets and face painting. At 6.30, the Mayor will switch on the lights and there will be a firework display.
Merseyside
St Helens – Victoria Square – November 19
Starting at 4pm, the Christmas lights switch on with have performances from Union J and recent X Factor finalist Gifty Louise. Reality TV stars Amy Childs and Harry Derbridge will also make an appearance before starring in the towns Aladdin pantomime in December. There will be a whole range of other entertainment to enjoy throughout the evening.
Heswall – Various venues – December 1
Heswall’s lights switch on will take place across The Devon Doorway, The Puddydale and Heswall Library. The event, which will take place at 6pm, marks the start of the four-day Heswall ICE Christmas Festival, which will have food and drink stalls, workshops and the chance to meet Santa.
Wallasey Village – Town centre – November 24
Community group Wallasey Village People are organising a festive celebration in their village from 3pm to 8pm. The Christmas tree will be lit up at 6pm and there will be fun fairs, brass bands and live music from mid-afternoon. Children will also be able to visit Santa in his grotto.
Southport – Town centre – November 19
Festive celebrations will get underway from 1pm in Southport, where Santa will be in town as well as a range of local acts and performers taking to the stage. The Southport Theatre and Convention Centre panto cast will also entertain visitors and Olympic Gold Medallist Steve Burke will make an appearance before 5.30pm when the lights will be switched on.
Lancashire
Preston – Flag Market – November 26
Preston’s Christmas light switch on will take place from 5.15pm until 7.45pm. The concert, will include performances from CBeebies’ Mr Bloom, Heather Small and soul group The Real Thing. Heather is expected to perform classics including ‘Search for a Hero’ and ‘Proud’ and The Real Thing will be performing their million-seller ‘You To Me Are Everything’.
Blackpool – St John’s Square – November 19
Blackpool Town Centre will be getting into the festive spirit throughout the day with local acts, magicians and tribute acts. There will also be a snow globe, children’s storyteller and a wide range of food and drink to enjoy. The Christmas lights are set to be switched on between 4.30pm and 5pm.
Ormskirk – Town Centre Chapel Gallery – November 25
The event is set to begin at 12pm with entertainment, activities and a Christmas marquee to enjoy before the switch-on begins with local acts taking to the stage. The Christmas lights will be switched on from 6.30pm.
Lancaster – Market Square – November 20
As part of the Lancaster Christmas Lights Switch On event, CancerCare’s annual ‘Santa Dash & Reindeer Fun Run’ will take place through the city centre streets from 1.30pm. Santa’s Christmas Reindeer will also be in the town to see from 12-3pm and a number of acts will take to the stage, including 5ive, Paul Akister and there will be a guest appearance from Lancaster’s Team GB Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Durant.
Cumbria
Carlisle – City centre – November 20
X Factor winner Ben Haenow will headline Carlisle’s Christmas Lights Switch On event this year alongside Britain’s Got Talent 2016 runner-up Wayne Woodward and X Factor 2016 star Christian Burrows. The Mayor of Carlisle will be switching the Christmas lights on in the city centre from 5pm.
Kendal – Town centre – November 27
Festivities will begin at 1.30pm, with food and drink, live acts and the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer. Santa’s parade will begin at 4.10pm from Abott Hall and Christmas lights will be switched on at Lakeland Radio main stage from 4.45pm.
