Former X Factor finalists Reggie ‘n’ Bollie flicked the switch and lit up Kirkby town centre with Christmas decorations, concluding one of the biggest festive events the area has staged.
Other performances from boy band District 10, girl group Tiger Heart and S Club Party warmed up what was a typically cold November night in the town on Thursday.
But it was the big act of the evening, Reggie ‘n’ Bollie, that really got the crowd buzzing.
The energetic duo encouraged the hundreds in attendance to sing and dance along to a number of popular tracks from past and present, sending the majority of people home with a smile on their face.
YouTube: JMU Journalism
The show, organised by site-owner St. Modwen, brought people together to celebrate not only the arrival of the Christmas season, but the exciting times that are on the horizon for the community.
Just a few weeks ago, the regeneration firm presented their ideas for transforming the town centre to the public, with the introduction of a new cinema, major food retailer and other developments planned to be completed by October 2018.
St Modwen said it is focused on making Kirkby a night-time destination for the local community, and this event was the first sign of that coming to fruition as several shops extended their opening hours.
Kimberley Ward, 33, from Kirkby said: “I really enjoyed it. It sounds bad but Kirkby doesn’t usually get a lot and usually loses out to other places in Knowsley, such as Huyton – and it’s always kind of felt like the poor relation.
“So, it was a welcome change to have a big event in the town centre. I don’t think we even had a tree last year, never mind a tree with lights and a big show to boot. So many people turned up and it brought all of the community together.”
Helen McKenzie, 43, also enjoyed the seasonal spectacle. She told JMU Journalism: “I thought the whole thing was absolutely fantastic. I loved it, the kids loved it and this is the type of stuff that we need here. Hopefully it’s just the start.”
While many locals seemed to rally around the organisation of the event, some were left slightly underwhelmed by the big finale.
Dave Edkins, 63, from Tower Hill told JMU Journalism: “It was a great night for everyone to be fair, and while I personally don’t think much of the lights, I suppose what they’ve done with the tree might make the place look a bit nicer of a night time.”