The Grand Southport paid partnership
An inspirational schoolboy was the VIP guest of honour as he officially switched on the festive lights at The Grand in Southport.
Llewyn Sunderland, aged 12, led the countdown amidst cheering crowds on Saturday (7th November 2026) as he hit the red button to light up over 4,000 sparkling lights and the huge Christmas tree at the venue on Lord Street in Southport town centre.
Llewyn, a student at Meols Cop High School and formerly a pupil at Farnborough Road Junior School, has a rare genetic condition that affects his hearing and eyesight. He is admired by all who meet him for approaching life “with positivity, kindness and remarkable determination”.
Last year Llewyn completed the Southport 10k run with his Mum and Dad to raise money for Elsie’s Story, with Llewyn and his family good friends of Elsie Dot Stancombe and her family.
He raised over £1,000 in Elsie’s memory.
In April he was awarded a Child of Courage Award at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Stephen Grayson from Cooper Parry accountants.
The Grand Christmas Lights Switch On was enjoyed by a huge crowd of revellers throughout the afternoon and evening as they kicked off the festive season in style.
During the day, Father Christmas and his elves led a free stage show by Regally Royal Parties outside The Grand for families to enjoy, with a snow machine bringing smiles to children’s faces.
There was a festive village with face painting, hot chocolate, hot Vimto, popcorn, candy floss and hot food all available.
Inside, guests were serenaded by the brilliant Yee-Haw Country Band with singer Jenny Wren, with Christmas favourites sung by the Southport Wellbeing Choir.
Diners in a fully-booked Chloe’s Brasserie were enjoying Festive Afternoon Tea, which has launched this week, along with dishes from the new Autumn and Winter Menu.
The new MC for the Christmas Lights Switch this year was Liverpool comedian and entertainer Jack Ryan, whose cheeky style, immaculate timing and quick-fire wit kept everyone entertained.
Once the lights were switched on, the party started in full swing, with plenty of evening entertainment.
In the Princess Grace Suite on the first floor, people were dancing away to the Wack Pack, brought to life by a multi-talented all-star cast including Asa Murphy, Steve Charles, and Joe Speare.
A DJ kept the vibes going with a mix of classics and party favourites while Chloe Jade sang in Harry’s Bar, with live music in Punch Tarmey’s Irish Bar.
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group Cluster Manager James Bretnall-Bennett said:
“What a fantastic start to the festive season! The Grand was packed with families throughout the day and into the evening.
“The Grand Christmas Lights Switch On has become one of the most iconic events in the festive calendar in Southport, and we were delighted to welcome so many people with a fabulous atmosphere.
“We’d like to thank Llewyn for doing a brilliant job in switching on our festive lights, to Southport Wellbeing Choir, the Yee-Haws, and everyone else who made this such a magical event.
“The Grand and our sister venue The Bold are the places to be this Christmas with a variety of brilliant festive events, party nights out, Christmas Afternoon Tea and lots more to enjoy.
- Find out what’s on at The Grand in Southport this Christmas: The Grand – The Grand
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