Formby Village Christmas Lights Switch On 2018
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

ON 25 November 2018, the Formby Christmas Lights were turned on in the Village Centre. The Switch On was extremely well attended, with around 3000 people packing out the main street to watch the fantastic build up. On the main stage, provided by UK Events, were a host of Merseyside acts, which started with Make Noise and Make Noise 2 Junior choirs. Then the entertainment moved on to accommodate the Ashleigh Louise Dancers, followed by the fantastic G:Force choir. Other acts included:- Adam Brown Dance Company, The Ambition Band, Tom and Laura, along with Caroline Derbyshire Acts. But this year it was not just 1 stage with performances taking place, as on the Formby Pool side of the Village, the other stage had local church groups performing.

This year's event offered more than just live music; as usual it included lots of small stalls, along with the many local shops and restraints offering a range of promotions and activities. That is not forgetting the large Fun Fair, with thanks to Southport Pleasureland. Also, you could even have model train rides.

Yes, the Lights Mascot, Frosty is back again. Frosty is located next to the Formby Pool building for the 2nd year running. Once again, lots of people took photos next to him as they waited for Father Christmas, who was attending the event in the Formby Rotary Club’s Carol Wagon.

Unlike Southport, Formby has gone for a traditional tree, that has been wonderful decorated by Paul Lally, and his team from The Festive Decorators.

But no Christmas Light Switch On Festivities would be complete without a presenter and switch on guests. This year, all the main stage activities along with the turn on were presented by Claire Simmo from Radio City. X-Factor's Holly Ellison and Clare Simmo lead the countdown. They were joining by 14 highly talented students, from LMA Liverpool, fresh from being on X-Factor. If you want to see a few clips of the LAM Choir performing at the Lights Switch On, visit our Formby Reporter's Facebook Page. They were also joined by Councillor Denise Dutton, alongside Jennifer, Miss Southport 2018.

Rounding off the event was local lad, Alex Toll, from Radio City, on the decks!

Please do email your thoughts and views about this event to our newsroom, via:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

It is worth noting that Father Christmas is touring Formby and for full route information and times, click here now.

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