Christmas has burst into life at The Grand in Southport as hundreds of people packed out the venue for its 2023 Grand Christmas Lights Switch On.
Families were thrilled by a sparkling array of entertainment which was hosted by In Demand and Sandgrounder Radio presenter Claire Simmo as Jingles The Elf.
The Switch On shone a light on The Grand being the ultimate place to be for people enjoying Christmas events, nights out or festive dining this year.
Claire Simmo and Father Christmas at the Grand Christmas Lights Switch On at The Grand in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Father Christmas dropped in, meeting a queue of delighted youngsters in the Princess Grace Suite as he handed them early presents and listened to their festive wishes.
Santa joined Claire Simmo as they supported the night’s VIP guest of honour – 8-year-old Samuel Bennetton – as he had the honour of switching on over 15,000 twinkling lights.
Claire Simmo and Samuel Bennetton at The Grand in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Samuel is a talented young goalkeeper for Chorley Wanderers and Euxton Villa. Santa knew the lights were in safe hands as the crowd chanted along to the countdown before Samuel hit the switch.
Stunning new lighting now adorns the front of The Grand too, after being installed by local seasonal lighting firm Ivandale.
Guests sang along to classic Christmas songs sung by The Atkinson Wellbeing Choir, enjoyed carols played by a brass band and listened to melodic festive tunes from top soul singer Dave Broe.
Singer Dave Broe at The Grand in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Tables were in huge demand as diners tucked into meals in the busy brasserie restaurant while guests sat back and enjoyed cocktails and drinks as they were serenaded in Chloe’s Piano Bar.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Chairman Andrew Mikhail said:
“The Grand is definitely the place to enjoy Christmas!
“We had superb feedback about The Grand Christmas Lights Switch On event last year. This time we really wanted to take things up another level.
“The building looks beautiful with so many festive lights and decorations.
The Grand in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Colin Gannon, Callum King and our team of chefs have been working hard to create sensational festive menus that people will love, whether they’re coming as families, as couples, as friends, as work nights out.
“We have an exciting line-up of events too that guests won’t want to miss.”
Bookings are already being taken for festive meals at the Grand Brasserie, with special festive menus available from 20th November through to 31st December.
The Atkinson Wellbeing Choir at the Grand Christmas Lights Switch On at The Grand in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Options include festive 2-3 course menus, festive a la carte menus and festive afternoon tea.
There are lots of fabulous festive festive events scheduled for December, including a Motown Evening, a Peaky Blinders Evening, a Soul Jam evening, a Bon Jovi Tribute Night, The Grand Frozen Party, a 50s Rock and Roll night, and a Great Gatsby Evening.
The Grand is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year after the historic art deco building first opened its doors in 1923.
Families enjoyed the Grand Christmas Lights Switch On at The Grand in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
It reopened last year after a £4 million transformation by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, with more new features due to be unveiled next year including the Sky Bar.
- For more details on what’s on at The Grand this Christmas, please visit: thegrand.co.uk
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