Southport Charity Christmas Parade takes place today (Sunday, 5th December), and will pay an emotional tribute to two friends who died in a tragic accident last week.
Marie Cunningham, aged 79, and Grace Foulds, aged 85, passed away following a road traffic collision on Lulworth Road in Birkdale on Tuesday, 30 November.
Today, all those taking part in this year’s parade will honour Marie and Grace as they drive past.
Southport Charity Christmas Parade makes a welcome return today after being postponed last year due to Covid restrictions.
The largest vehicle light parade in the North West will leave Pontins in Ainsdale at 4pm before making its way to Southport, finishing at Southport Pleasureland. The full route is below.
Event organisers Adam Holmes-Brown and Paul Holmes said: “It’s parade day today and we can’t wait to see you all.
“We have received a message from Lynn of the daughters of one of the ladies that sadly lost their lives on Lulworth Road the other day.
“Lynn and her mother watched the parade every year as we passed their home on Lulworth Road.
“Lynn has requested we make as much noise as possible for her mum and her friend.
“This we can do for you, our love goes out to you all.”
Southport Charity Christmas Parade sees a convoy of wagons and other illuminated vehicles annually donate hundreds of toys to children’s organisations in our region.
This year’s Southport Charity Christmas Parade route is:
Leaving Pontins on Shore Road in Ainsdale at 4pm and then onto:
Kenilworth Road
Left onto Liverpool Road (A565)
Past Ainsdale Village
Continuing On Liverpool Road (A565)
Left Onto Waterloo Road past Royal Birkdale
Left Onto Selworthy Road Onto
Lancaster Road Joining to Lulworth Road Onto
Lord St West,
Left Onto Duke Street Onto Victoria Way
Right onto The Esplanade Onto Southport Promenade
Up to The Lakeside Inn (Britain’s Smallest Pub)
Then back along Southport Promenade and the Esplanade
Ending at Southport Pleasureland
Major viewing spots will include: Ainsdale Village; Hillside Village for their Christmas Lights Switch On; and Southport Promenade.
Watch out for a celebrity appearance by Father Christmas and Mary Christmas with their elves.
The parade is organised each year by Adam Holmes-Brown, Paul Holmes and a great team of volunteers.
They said: “We have plenty of drop zones available for you to donate to.
“If you would like to donate please inbox us for the drop zones.
“We are donating to many different children’s organisations all over the North West.
“Your help will truly help towards making it a great Christmas for as many children as possible.
“Make sure you come out and cheer us on.”
You can keep up to date with more details, and how to donate, on the Southport Christmas Parade page on Facebook here.
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