Council-run events still may not be able to take place in the effort to control coronavirus infection rates, but the show must go on (virtually) as we begin the countdown to Christmas.
This Friday (4 December) a virtual Christmas lights-switch on will be shown across St Helens Borough Council’s Facebook and Twitter channels to help spread some much-needed festive joy.
Featuring, performances from schools, MD Creatives and local DJ and producer, Eric McKenna – the social media event will also see the Mayor of St Helens, Paul McQuade; Council Leader, David Baines – and St Helens Borough Council’s portfolio holder for events, Councillor Anthony Burns – join representatives from Willowbrook Hospice in switching on the Christmas lights outside St Helens Town Hall in support of Willowbrook’s festive-fundraising project, Decorate and Donate.
Christmas trees in every ward across the borough will also be switched on this Friday.
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s portfolio holder for events, said:
“This year has been difficult for everyone and it’s really unfortunate that we’re not able to hold our annual Christmas celebrations across the borough. Given how dark this year has been, and the connotations of Christmas – it’s important to bring a smile and help brighten up spirits during the most wonderful time of the year.
“We are delighted to team up with Willowbrook Hospice this year for their Decorate and Donate project which asks residents and businesses across the borough to dress their homes and premises with lights and decorations, making a donation to the hospice if they can.
“It’s been great to see public reaction to this initiative so far, with families taking a minute from their evening walk to stop and admire some of the wonderful efforts households have gone to – so if you’re still yet to go up into the loft to get your lights down, please consider making a donation to Willowbrook which has been hard-it financially due to Covid.
“On behalf of everyone at the council I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family and friends very best wishes for a happy Christmas.”
Alun Owen, Corporate Director of Willowbrook Hospice, added:
“Everyone in the Willowbrook community is extremely grateful for the support given to us by St Helens Borough Council. Like many, we too have had a challenging year.
“However, with the positive and encouraging help we have had from across the borough, we know we will have a brighter and better future.
“Thank you to everyone who has decorated and donated so far. Best wishes to everyone for an enjoyable Christmas and a much happier New Year.”
The virtual switch-on event – which will also promote St Helens Theatre Royal’s Beauty and the Beast pantomime (11 Dec- 3 Jan) – will get underway at 6:30pm on Friday 4 December and will be available to watch through St Helens Borough Council’s Facebook and Twitter – as well as Willowbrook Hospice’s Facebook page.
To make a donation to Willowbrook’s Decorate and Donate project, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/donateanddecorate
