Thousands of people enjoyed the Churchtown Christmas Light Switch On.
The popular annual event was held on Sunday 26th November 2023, between midday and 7pm.
Botanic Road was closed to traffic throughout the day as people came from far and wide to enjoy the big switch on by Father Christmas, fairground rides, live music, dance performances, stalls, live music, choirs, brass bands, an elf hunt and more.
People enjoyed the Churchtown Christmas Lights switch On in Churchtown Village in Southport. Event organisers James Hunt and Dot Taylor
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
There were two stages – the main stage in front of St Cuthbert’s Plantation (the Green in front of the church) hosted by Hayley Murray and Dune Radio which showcased local talent from dance schools, local choirs, brass bands and schools all performing throughout the day.
The lights on the Christmas tree, kindly donated by J A Jones Nurseries, were switched on by Father Christmas at 5pm.
Father Christmas spent the rest of his day meeting children at Little Sparks Scandi Grotto.
People enjoyed the Churchtown Christmas Lights switch On in Churchtown Village in Southport. Hayley Murray with Yooks!
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A second stage outside Lucy Lou’s Boutique and hosted by Mighty Radio had performances all day with local entertainers getting everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Village shops were open for families to pop in to start their Christmas shopping with delights from children’s gifts, flowers, chocolates, candles, gift cards and much more.
Lots of local arts and craftspeople were offering their products on the stalls situated near Meols Hall main entrance and dotted throughout the village.
People enjoyed the Churchtown Christmas Lights switch On in Churchtown Village in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
There was lots of food on offer, from local restaurants and cafes.
There was also a hog roast by The Ready Steady Chef Chris Stead, Pitamu, Bar Crumble and the Vintage Bubbles Truck.
Local hospitality venues went all out with extra covered outside seating and outside bar at The Hesketh Arms, The Dram and Churchtown Deli, with outside bars outside Remedy and La Tabella so visitors could soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the live entertainment.
Liza and Rob Smallman at La Tabella restaurant in Churchtown at the Churchrown Christmas Lights Switch On. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Silcock’s brought along some great funfair rides and The Wagging Tail hosted a dog show while Churchtown Pet Boutique ran a competition to give away a hamper.
The local community was asked to support Queenscourt Hospice through a JustGiving page, which saw hundreds of pounds raised for the charity.
People enjoyed the Churchtown Christmas Lights switch On in Churchtown Village in Southport. Rebecca and Darren Boyd-Preece at The Dram Gift Shop
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Queenscourt volunteers were there with a tombola and a competition to guess the height of Kevin The Carrot.
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Susan Stacey said: “It was so busy. Really good atmosphere. We saw the tree lights switch on at 5pm and watched some of the events. Great stalls this year and food and drink.”
People enjoyed the Churchtown Christmas Lights switch On in Churchtown Village in Southport. Babyballet
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Anna Louise said: “So glad it stayed fine for everyone. Love our little village.”
Keren Nelson said: “It was great! Lovely to see it buzzing!”
Keith Hubbard said: “Fab Churchtown; Fab atmosphere, absolutely heaving.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail
