Southport Hoteliers create Nutcracker decorations to welcome guests this Christmas
Photos with thanks to Andrew Brown Media Media.

SOUTHPORT'S Hoteliers have created their own trail of Nutcrackers to bring some festive cheer to visitors this Christmas. People staying in small Hotels, guest houses and B&B's this December will be given a warm welcome by the magical festive figures. The colourful creations were inspired by the Southport Nutcracker Trail which has been installed by Southport BID, with 12 6 feet high figurines located at spots around the seaside resort. Members of Southport Hoteliers Association loved the figures so much, and the beaming reaction of families to them, that they decided to join in the fun.  Southport Hoteliers Association spokesperson Anthony Duffey said:- "Our members loved the Nutcracker campaign from Southport BID and wanted to get involved! Barbara from the Captains Quarters and her family who own the Andora decided to decorate the front of their properties with the Nutcracker banners. We all loved what they had done and then decided to follow suit. 12 of our members around the town have put banners up. The banners are around the front doors and hiding in windows."

Among local Hotels donning the new decorations is The Stamford, on Bath Street in Southport. The stylish venue was a finalist in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards last month. Stamford owners Sarah and Ricky Blaney said:- "The eagle eyed may notice a theme among some of the guest houses in Southport this year. The Stamford, together with other members of Southport Hoteliers Association are delighted to be displaying Christmas Nutcrackers in our windows this year. They are rumoured to bring good luck and protection. If you see a Christmas Nutcracker in 1 of the guest houses in Southport you will be guaranteed an amazing stay. It's been a slog to get this far in 2020 hasn't it? So treat yourself to Southport; shops, restaurants, amazing walks and brilliant places to stay overnight, a home away from home awaits you."

The figures add to a really festive feeling in Southport this month.  Southport BID has installed 12 6 feet high Nutcrackers at locations around the Town Centre. People who take Nutcrackers photos and upload them to social media with the hashtag #Southportnutcrackers could win a ₤50 Southport Gift Card. People who Complete the Southport Nutcrackers Trail and post their entry in Santa's special postbox outside Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street can win an iPad Mini. Southport BID has provided 2 sparkling Christmas Trees with LED light displays in town this year, 1 in the Town Hall Gardens and the other at Ocean Plaza. The BID has also provided a range of Christmas decorations throughout the Town Centre and at Ocean Plaza.  The less restrictive Tier 2 measures mean a whole host of Southport businesses are open during the festive season, including:- shops, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers, soft play centres and many other businesses too. Southport Pleasureland opened its 1st ever Winter season, on Saturday, 12 December 2020, with rides, fireworks, and Christmas market stalls.  There are many reasons to turn your Christmas shopping trip to Southport into a staycation, with Southport Hoteliers Association members promising you excellent Hospitality.  Anthony Duffey said:- "If you are looking to book acCommodation in the run-up to Christmas this year, the following members will be open: Captains Quarters, Balmoral Lodge, The Stamford, Edendale, Le Maitre, Barford House, Edendale, The Andora and The Braemar. Our members have all Completed a Covid19 risk assessment and have hand sanitiser as provided by the association. We also have online meetings every 2 weeks where we provide Covid19 support to 1 another and discuss Government updates, so you can rest assured we are doing our utmost to keep you safe during these difficult times. If you have any photos of our members' Nutcracker banners please post them to social media."

The businesses below are involved the Southport Hoteliers Nutcracker campaign are:-