Families and communities encouraged to come together for St Helens and Earlestown Christmas events

Article date: 7 November 2024

In a move away from previously staged music acts - this year, events in Church Square and Market Street are focused on building new traditions for the whole family to enjoy - with light parades, brass bands, choirs, Santa's grotto, as well as the popular monthly Pop-Up Market in St Helens town centre, among the entertainment and attractions at both events which are sure to create a festive atmosphere.

Kath O'Dwyer, St Helens Borough Council Chief Executive, said: "Every year, residents turn out in their thousands to attend our Christmas events in St Helens and Earlestown and we hope that residents will enjoy and embrace this year's events which have been planned in partnership with communities, with something for everyone to enjoy."

As Christmas time is considered the season of goodwill and a charitable time of year, the council is pleased to team up with Willowbrook Hospice as part of a brand-new attraction which will call on communities to come together to take part in a festive light parade to spread light and a warm glow across St Helens before the Christmas tree lights are switched on.

A similar light parade is also planned for Earlestown, with workshops held in both town centres for members of the community to make their very own lights to take part in the walk. 

Kath added: "We know how important the festive period is to residents across our communities and how holding such events has a positive impact on town centre businesses that contribute to the local economy.

"We are also delighted to be working with our good friends at Willowbrook this year and to have secured the hugely popular Pop-Up Market for both events.  Markets like this at Christmas time always prove popular in bringing people into towns and cities, with an array of festive treats on offer. Going off how successful the Pop-Up Market has been in St Helens over the past few months, we are sure that will be the case for both our Christmas events, too."

Commenting on being part of the St Helens Christmas event for the first time, Alun Owen, Corporate Director at Willowbrook said:

"On behalf of everyone at Willowbrook Hospice, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for inviting us to be part of this year's St Helens Christmas event. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate the festive season together."

Meanwhile there will also be a children's funfair, Christmas arts and light-making workshops and entertainment throughout the day at both events - while in St Helens, Lucem House Community Cinema+ on Corporation Street and community bookshop, the Book Stop, over in Bridge Street, will be getting in on the action this year with a family showing of Julia Donaldson's Stick Man - with local author, Sue Gerrard, the special guest for a Christmas story time reading of The Grumps at Christmas.

The St Helens town centre Christmas event will take place on Saturday 30 November between 10:00am-6:00pm, with the Earlestown event taking place the following week on Saturday 7 December, also between 10:00am-6:00pm.

Look out on St Helens Borough Council's social media channels for more information in the coming weeks.