Southport BID feature by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The technical expert involved in creating a huge Christmas event in Southport can’t wait to see families from across the region ‘dancing in the moonlight’ in town centre.
Scott Mackin, Managing Director of Moonlight Events, is the Technical Production Manager co-ordinating the live show at the Southport Festive Fun Day, which will take place on Saturday 23rd November 2024.
A central section of Lord Street will be closed to host this spectacular event with thousands of families from across the region expected to attend.
Organised by Southport BID and Sefton Council, it will see host a combination of Southport dance schools, theatre groups, children’s entertainers, singers, plus top names such as Lemar, Gemma Collins and Toploader, famous for their suitably named ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ hit.
The showcase will be hosted by much-loved Southport performer Kelly Bond, and Alex Toal of Greatest Hits Radio, who will entertain the crowds with a special DJ set later in the day.
Festive fairground attractions will delight the crowds, and fun activities such as facepainting and creative workshops will prove to be popular attractions.
Southport-born Scott, 21, one of the North West’s youngest and most successful entrepreneurs, will be overseeing elements such as lighting; sound; staging, special effects; video walls; stage management; and all different sides of production management.
On the day he will be working with two sound technicians, two lighting specialists, three video experts, a stage manager and others.
Scott Mackin said: “Planning for the Southport Festive Fun Day is going very well!
“This is going to be the biggest Christmas party Southport has ever seen and it’s very exciting for everyone involved.
“It is great working with Southport BID, Sefton Council and all the different partners involved in putting this event together.
“We have got a good plan together now, the running order is down to a T.
“It’s a fantastic mix of entertainment with 14 local dance schools, local theatre groups, and top names including Toploader, Lemar and Gemma Collins.
“The entertainment starts at midday and runs to around 6.20pm. It will be packed with things for families to enjoy.
“We are looking forward to seeing a constant stream of visitors coming into the town centre throughout the day.
“A section of Lord Street will be closed to traffic while the performances are taking place, between Nevill Street and Eastbank Street.
“The ‘local’ element has been a really big part in the process, not just in terms of performers, but also backstage as well.
“In all the conversations I have held with Southport BID, they have been very keen to involve local businesses as much as possible.
“The Southport Festive Fun Day is really going to put Southport on the map this Christmas.
“We want to create an event which attracts families from across the region to come into Southport to enjoy all the entertainment, as well as calling into local shops, restaurants, bars and other venues.
“We’re all keen to send the message that Southport is the place to come this Christmas.”
Scott Mackin founded Moonlight Events in 2019.
The firm celebrated its fifth birthday in June and has grown fast, with nearly 40 freelance workers on its books.
It has become a very recognisable brand at a wide variety of North West events such as Southport Food and Drink Festival, Southport Flower Show, Southport Comedy Festival, Sefton Pride, the Southport Festive Fun Day, Your Southport Stars Awards, the Strictly fundraiser for Queenscourt Hospice and many others.
The firm has grown to the extent that it now operates from a large commercial premises on Banastre Road in Southport.
Scott began his business while a Business and Enterprise student at KGV Sixth Form College in Southport, and his business has grown rapidly from there.
He is determined to play his part in making Southport a thriving place for all.
He said: “I love Christmas in Southport. It is a special place to be.
“When you look along Lord Street and see all the lights that Southport BID has installed; the giant Christmas tree; the wreaths outside The Atkinson; and everything else in place, it makes it a magical place to visit.
“This time of year makes such a positive difference to our town.
“Christmas for me is all about friends and family.
“I will be inviting everyone I know to come down to the Southport Festive Fun Day to enjoy a really superb day out.
“I am really excited! We are all working really hard to make this Festive Fun Day as good as it possibly can be.”
Rachel Fitzgerald, Southport BID CEO, said: “This year’s Festive Fun Day is shaping up to be an extraordinary event. We’re delighted to be joined by special guests Toploader, Lemar, and Gemma Collins.
“We can’t wait to see these big names perform, but this day is as much about celebrating our town and the people that make it special.
“A big focus of the Festive Fun Day is championing our incredible young people. Fourteen local dance schools are set to perform on stage.
Do join us in Southport on 23rd November for a fantastic day out, and make sure to spend some time with our wonderful town-centre businesses whilst you’re here!”
Local businesses will also be joining in the fun. Visitors can enjoy festive markets at The Atkinson and Cambridge Walks, Christmas Grotto’s at The Vincent Hotel and Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, as well as lots more to be announced.
For more information on the Festive Fun Day and other Christmas events in Southport, head to www.southportbid.com/christmas and make sure to follow Your Southport on Facebook and Instagram.
Save the date and keep in the loop via the Festive Fun Day Facebook event page
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