It’s Christmas! Get set for Ormskirk’s big switch-on
PEOPLE are invited to get into the festive spirit by heading to Ormskirk to enjoy the Christmas Lights switch-on next Friday (November 25).
Bteween 12pm and 4pm, families can go to Moor Street in the town centre to dance along to Vintage DJs playing Christmas music and enjoy a cuppa outside Gertie the Vintage Caravan Tea Room, open until 8pm.
An amazing snow globe will be on Moor Street from about 2pm offering a photo opportunity in a Winter Wonderland scene as a family keepsake or a special Christmas card.
From 4.30pm to 6pm there’s a variety of entertainment on and around the stage at the Clock Tower including family entertainer Fun Steve, and vocalist Sarah, followed by Circus Frank, and the Ormskirk Rock Choir, which will be entertaining the crowds with popular favourites such as Merry Christmas Everyone and Let It Snow.
Favourite children’s characters Christmas Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig and one of the Minions will be in town meeting and greeting everyone, together with Silcocks amusements providing children’s rides throughout the event.
The compere, Andy Jay, will continue the party atmosphere by introducing a popular Michael Buble tribute act. This will lead up to the carol service at 6pm.
Dignitaries and fellow guests will assemble at Ormskirk Parish Church before processing to the sounds of a piper to the main stage for the carol service at 6pm.
Local clergy will conduct the carol service assisted by Skelmersdale Prize Brass Band and Friends in Unison Choir.
The Mayor of West Lancashire, Cllr Liz Savage, will give a Christmas address and will be joined by guests together with Don Evans, West Lancashire’s Town Crier, who will lead the crowd in the countdown.
The mayor will pull the switch at 6.30pm.
Ormskirk will shine brightly with Christmas sparkle as the lights are switched on.
The Chapel Gallery’s Christmas Market, open from noon to 8pm, is free to enter. Visitors can browse stalls while enjoying artisan foods and a festive atmosphere.
From 6pm to 8pm, the gallery hosts fairground games, a face painter and creative activities.
A caricaturist will draw free, fun portraits which could make fun Christmas presents. There will be live music and a complementary glass of mulled wine, while stocks last.
There are also stalls in the outdoor Christmas fair marquee which will be open from 12noon until 8pm, and complements the Chapel Gallery Christmas Market.
Provided by the local Rotary Club, Santa will be in his special grotto in the marquee from approximately 4.30pm anxiously waiting to hear Christmas presents lists.
The Christmas theme continues on Saturday, November 26, with the monthly Makers’ Market at the Chapel Gallery and return of Gertie the Vintage Caravan Tea Room and the Vintage DJs located on Moor Street.
Children and families can enjoy the Christmas-themed Gingerbread Trail and enter a prize draw by visiting Ormskirk Community Partnership’s stall on Moor Street. All activities are between 10am and 4pm.
On Sunday, November 27, the gallery hosts a Christmas-themed Vintage and Handmade Market between 10am and 4pm, with Punch and Judy shows at 11am, 12.30pm and 3pm.
Cllr Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “Christmas will start with a bang in Ormskirk with our fantastic Christmas lights switch-on event and Chapel Gallery Christmas Fair, so make sure you come along and enjoy the fun.”