Illuminated Leaning Tower of Pisa and 30,000 lights to be switched on at Sidney Road in Southport

A 3.5metre high model of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and 30,000 lights at Sidney Road in Southport are sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors this year.

Alex Kenny, Executive Director of Strategy & Development, will press the button to light up the display for the festive season at 6pm this Saturday, December 11.

Sidney Road Lights is a firm favourite in the calendar of Southport residents since it started five years ago. The event has grown in popularity and there are now Halloween and Easter displays, as well as one off events to mark special occasions.

The display is built and run entirely by one family, Steve and Janice Henshall and their son, Tim, who works at Fletchers. The event raises money for Freshfields Animal Rescue and has a target of £2,000 for this year.

This is set to be a popular event and Fletchers is delighted to be a part of it.

Alex Kenny said: “We know how loved this event is within the town, and the great work that the family does for charity. By sponsoring it, even more money will hopefully be raised for charity and we are certain that it will be a great display to make everyone feel festive.

“Fletchers has its headquarters in Southport, with many of our team members living in the town, so we know how popular this event is and hope that lots of people will visit and make it a huge success.”

The light display has a total of 30,000 lights which are synchronised to music controlled by computer. The centrepiece is a 7 metre high Christmas tree with more than 4,000 lights. New for this year is a 3.5m high model of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Steve Henshall said: “The lights bring such pleasure to young and old, they really are a community event and visiting them is fast becoming a family tradition for local people. It’s so rewarding for our family, especially to know that we’re all helping so many homeless, injured and abandoned animals at Freshfields Animal Rescue. Thanks to the generosity of Fletchers Solicitors this year’s show is the best ever.”

The switch on party will be hosted by Sandgrounder Radio with appearances from Starkidz Christmas Elftastic Elves and performances from Southport Costume Crew. Hot drinks and sweets will be served as well as some special artisan chocolates from Chocolate Whirled.