Liverpool One switched on its Christmas tree lights on Friday evening to start the festive fun in the city centre.
There was live music and street performances by Kaboodle, Pop Vox Choir and Sing Me Merseyside to name but a few on Paradise Street as part of the One Big Christmas Party which families were encouraged to attend.
Alison O’Neil, who took her two children to see the events, told JMU Journalism: “It’s a good way to spend time with my two boys as Christmas is a time when families do tend to do more things with each other.
“As a mum, it’s one of the most enjoyable times of the year to see the excitement it brings to the kids so its really good to see the city encouraging families to get involved with stuff like this in the weeks leading up to Christmas.”
Pantomime stars from the Everyman Theatre and the Liverpool Playhouse performed to crowds on South John Street, joined by local actresses Claire Sweeney and Crissy Rock, as well as Radio City’s Leanne Campbell, who gave the crowd a first look of what to expect from this year’s local festive shows.
YouTube: Luke Edwards
Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool One, said: “Liverpool is in the top three UK cities to visit and there’s no better time to enjoy it than at Christmas. We’re delighted to bring together the region’s theatre stars, performers and artists to offer families an evening they won’t forget, and it’s completely free.
“Nothing says Christmas quite like a family panto, so we’re thrilled to have some of our biggest stars on board to entertain our guests, giving them a taste of what’s to come. We’re extremely lucky to have a city that’s overflowing with talent and we can’t wait to welcome them to help us celebrate.”
Among many events planned this year, the Polar Express has come to Chavasse Park, where passengers can do arts and crafts, have a hot chocolate and there is entertainment inside festive yurts.
Twitter: Explore Liverpool
? | ONE Big Christmas Street Party @Liverpool_ONE
More info ? https://t.co/OI8jvsmMFm pic.twitter.com/WndB5hQ192
— Explore Liverpool (@ExploreLpool) November 15, 2019