The Christmas season has officially arrived in Knowsley. Despite challenging weather conditions, thousands of residents turned out to celebrate the spectacular Christmas Light Switch On events in Huyton Village and Prescot Town Centre last weekend.
From the twinkling decorations to the free live entertainment, the community spirit was out in force, ensuring both events were a huge success.
Rainy Start in Huyton Doesn’t Dampen Spirits
The festivities kicked off in Huyton Village on Friday 14 November. Despite the cold and rain, crowds huddled together, proving that a little bad weather can’t stop the Christmas cheer.
Families enjoyed the free fun, music from The Ragdolls (Jersey Boys Tribute), and were thrilled to see special guests Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Olaf. The choir from Malvern Primary School braved the weather to perform “Where Greatness Grows”, their winning song from the National School Song competition and AJM School of Dance showed off their moves to the crowds.
A Christmas themed Thomas the Tank Engine excited young and old alike with rides around the village and the cast of Cinderella from Shakespeare North Playhouse treated the audience to songs from the show before it opens this weekend.
The atmosphere was electric as the lights were switched on by the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Ken McGlashan and Mayoress Anne McGlashan, officially illuminating the town centre for the season.
Prescot Sparkles on Saturday
The magic continued in Prescot Town Centre on Saturday 15 November. The crowds were treated to a fantastic afternoon of entertainment, including live music from The Dolly Popz, appearances from Santa Claus and The Grinch, and impressive performances by the acrobatic elves, toy soldier stilt walkers and Elton Wrong!
Local dance school Jan Williams Theatre School and the cast from Cinderella at Shakespeare North Playhouse also wowed the audience with energetic performances.
Santa Claus joined The Mayor of Knowsley Cllr Ken McGlashan and Mayoress Anne McGlashan to press the button and light up Prescot with its festive illuminations.
Music and More for Kirkby Christmas Light Switch On
The festive season reached its dazzling climax in Knowsley with the Kirkby Town Centre Christmas Light Switch On event on Friday 21 November. Huge crowds gathered in the town centre to enjoy the free entertainment and soak up the electric atmosphere, which was full of excitement and energy.
Highlights of the night included fantastic live performances from ’90s dance groups Livin’ Joy and Urban Cookie Collective, as well as Dene Michael from Black Lace, guaranteeing a party atmosphere that delighted all ages.
With additional community acts, the Shakespeare North Young Company, and festive LED stilt walkers, the event successfully completed the festive illumination of Knowsley, leaving the town centres sparkling and ready for the Christmas period.
More Festive Fun
Knowsley’s town centres are now looking incredibly festive, with dazzling lights adorning the streets, setting a beautiful scene for Christmas shopping and family visits and the Festive Fundays on Saturday 6 December.
In Huyton and Prescot (12noon – 4pm) you can visit Santa Claus in his Grotto, look out for the roller-skating reindeers, tap dancing turkeys, and stilt walking elves! Take a selfie in the snow globe, enjoy live music and more!
Kirkby will host The Christmas Stray Horns band who will be roaming out and about in the town centre from 11am until 3pm and you can visit Santas Grotto on St Chad’s Parade from 12noon until 4pm.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, commented:
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together in Huyton and Prescot, braving the weather in one case, to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. Events like these are vital in bringing our communities together and helping our town centres to thrive. Seeing our streets lit up and buzzing with excitement is a great start to the festive season and I hope everyone continues to support our local businesses throughout the festive period.”
