Thousands ‘get down’ to St Helens for Christmas lights switch on event
Thousands of people braved the cold weather on Saturday to celebrate the countdown to Christmas at the St Helens Christmas lights switch-on party in Victoria Square.
Nineties boyband 5ive headlined this year’s show which was compered by Radio City’s Leanne Campbell and Dave Kelly and run in conjunction with children’s charity, NSPCC.
The ‘Keep on Movin’ stars were joined by a whole host of national, local and regional talent including X Factor finalist Alisah Bonabra; Over the Rainbow competition winners Broad Oak Primary School Choir; local up-and-coming acoustic guitarist, Matty Lamb; charity choir, the Choir With No Name, world street dance champion Paisley Kerswell; Merseyside-based girlband, Girl Talk –and many more.
The event also saw interviews with some of the town’s most inspirational figures, including Chris Lamb, founder of the nationally-recognised Chocolate Orange Challenge; Saints stars Tommy Makinson and Luke Thompson– and Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year Award winner, George Mathias, whose ‘Run With George’ campaign has raised thousands of pounds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Hailing the evening a success, St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald – who took to the stage with some of the acts, special guests and the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens to switch on the Christmas lights – said:
“The event was excellent from start to finish and was a great opportunity for some of the town’s talented up-coming stars to showcase their talents – and also a chance for people to be introduced to the borough’s unsung heroes
“Seeing so many families come together and have a great time is exactly what events like this are all about, and to see people leave in such high spirits was very satisfying indeed.”
Photos above are by Robbob – St Helens Connect You’ll also find it on Facebook here
Our little reindeers are getting ready for #LightsOn in #StHelens tonight. Are you there? ✨? pic.twitter.com/wthVfMe1l7
— NSPCC (@NSPCC) November 18, 2017
Saturday night is off to a sparkling start! The lights are ON in #StHelens ????? #LightsOn pic.twitter.com/SJ4esddG1I
— NSPCC (@NSPCC) November 18, 2017
We’ve had an amazing time at the lights switch on. Thank you for inviting @whatsonsthelens @sthelenscouncil pic.twitter.com/0t7c6dYPbb
— Make A Difference (@chocoranges) November 18, 2017
A few images from our policing event at St Helens Christmas Lights Switch on tonight. Our sergeant behind the camera was reliving her teens. Thank you to the people of St Helens for your excellent behaviour, we hope you had a great night. pic.twitter.com/NaHX1J5Chl
— MerPol St Helens Sth (@MerPolStHelensS) November 18, 2017
Christmas lights switch on at St Helens town centre #sthelens #Christmas @sthelensstar @sthelenscouncil @StHelensUnltd @whatsonsthelens @LivEchonews @Official5ive @RadioCity967 @Girl_Talk_UK pic.twitter.com/tbRRtJMHbj
— Steve Samosa (@stevesamosa) November 18, 2017
Great to meet you too Mike! pic.twitter.com/WSPO59SGvM
— George Mathias (@RunWithGeorgeUK) November 18, 2017
#StHelens light switch-on
Loved every minute with @sing_outchoir pic.twitter.com/vGwPESBJSB— Alison Donnelly (@1alisondonnelly) November 19, 2017
Great performance by @Girl_Talk_UK last night at St. Helens Christmas lights switch on, thanks for having us #StHelens pic.twitter.com/360uLwy6mE
— miguel doforo (@migueldoforo) November 19, 2017
Great response to @Girl_Talk_UK last night at St. Helens Christmas lights switch on #sthelens #christmas ??? pic.twitter.com/d9WuIbW4D3
— miguel doforo (@migueldoforo) November 19, 2017
Great performance by @Mdproductionsmd last night at St. Helens Christmas lights switch on, thanks for having us #StHelens pic.twitter.com/ww9gfDvkeO
— miguel doforo (@migueldoforo) November 19, 2017
What’s On Across St Helens
For all the latest events, check out the Whats On St Helens Event Page
Main Photo – Steve Samosa
