The countdown to Christmas in St Helens Borough is officially underway after successful community Christmas lights switch-on events were held in St Helens and Earlestown town centres.
Organised by St Helens Borough Council’s Events team, the shows featured a whole host of local talented performers from the world of music and dance, such as MD Creatives and DJ and producer, Eric McKenna – with multi-award-winning headline act, Boomin – whose talents have seen them support the likes of McFly and The Script – really bringing the party to town.
With the overall aim of Christmas light switch-on events to bring everyone together to celebrate the very best of the borough, there were appearances from Saints stars Jodie Cunningham and Alex Warmsley; performances from local primary school choirs, Ashley Welding, Kerrie Ann Lomas, Glass Skies and cast members from St Helens Theatre Royal’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears – with special guest Leah Bennett, Child of Courage winner from Pride of St Helens Awards, doing the honours of switching on the lights at both events.
At last night’s switch-on event in Church Square, as well as the fabulous stage performances on offer , visitors were also treated to free skating on a new synthetic ice rink in St Helens until Thursday 23 December as part of a Christmas in St Helens campaign on the former Chalon Way multistorey carpark site.
Hailing the events a success, Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “A big thank you to everyone who came out to support our Christmas lights switch-on shows in St Helens and Earlestown Centres – and of course to our amazing events for putting them together.
“I think as community-focused events, this year’s shows were made that extra bit special given that we weren’t able to hold anything live last year – so it was great to see residents turn out in their numbers to enjoy the fantastic free entertainment on offer, from live music and performances from local talent, to ice skating – as we start the countdown to Christmas in St Helens Borough.
“But that’s not everything. We’ve got Festive Fun in Church Square this Saturday from 12:00pm-4:00pm, followed by a visit from Santa himself with real reindeer the following Saturday over at Chalon Way, also 12:00pm-4:00pm – and then in Earlestown on Saturday 18 December.
“There’s also plenty happening over at Chalon Way as part of our Christmas in St Helens campaign, with arts and crafts taking place in our cosy winter tipi, ice skating on a synthetic rink – as well as the hugely popular drive-in cinema, places for which are still available for Polar Express this Saturday (4th December). Don’t miss out on the festive fun.”
For more information and to book, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/christmas
