Here we glow again!

THOUSANDS of visitors were treated to fireworks and live music during Southport’s Christmas Lights Switch On 2018.

Pop stars S Club headlined the show on Sunday afternoon, which was hosted by radio presenter Danny Bee and also featured boy band 911.

Southport-based party firm Starkidz kicked off the live entertainment with a Princesses v Superheroes show, beginning a packed bill which included CBeebies stars, pantomine perfomances, and nine-year-old Ainsdale singer Astrid Smith.

With a stage and giant TV screen installed and a large section of Lord Street closed for the event, organisers Southport BID also brought in carnival rides and food and drink stalls to line the famous boulevard.

This year’s event featured the switch-on of a 60ft digital Christmas tree, a new attraction for the town. The tree, in Town Gardens, displayed the numbers for the 10-second countdown which culminated in the switch on of hundreds of thousands of lights and a firework display above the Atkinson art centre.

It was the start of a run of Christmas events organised by the BID, which also includes the installation of an open-air ice rink and Christmas chalets from December 7 to January 5.

The BID is also funding two days of festive street entertainment in December. The free switch-on event drew plenty of praise from those who went along, who described it as “fantastic”, “brilliant” and “excellent”.

Among those to comment on the event, Mary Cabana said: “It was beautiful today and glad me and my kids went. It was worth it. Well organized, fantastic shows, rides and fireworks.

“The Christmas awesome”

Sorcha Mai O’Brien said: “Brilliant event, fabulous tree, fantastic acts. Well done to everyone who helped organise.”

Katy Sumner described the day as “brilliant”, adding: ”Great entertainment, especially Danny Bee what an amazing host! Loved all of the acts and even had a go on the fairground rides! Well done Southport, a great place to live.” tree was