9 reasons YULE want to visit Southport this Christmas as host of festive crackers unveiled!

THEY say:- "it's the season to be jolly" and thanks to a packed festive programme of events for 2024 Christmas, it's set to be just that in Southport. With Christmas right round the corner, there is a whole host of festive fun to get excited about.  These range from a showstopping Festive Fun Day to dazzling light displays, and live entertainment; ensuring there's plenty to do for visitors of all ages to enjoy and make Christmas unforgettable.  Here Visit Southport give you a run down of just some of the events and activities that will make sure it's a yo-ho whole lot of fun in Southport.

Events for Christmas 2024 in Southport:-

1 Festive Fun Day; Lord Street, Southport... Southport is kicking off the festive season with the return of its Festive Fun Day, on:- 23 November 2024, with the promise of being its biggest and best year yet. Adding some sparkle to this year's event will be media personality and television star Gemma Collins, as well as performances from Lemar and Toploader. It will be a day of jam-packed live entertainment with bitesize pantomimes, a Frozen singalong and performances from Southport's talented dance Schools. Facepainting, workshops and activities across the Town Centre will be sure to get the whole family into the festive spirit.  For more details visit:- SouthportBID.Com for more information.

2 Spectacular Christmas Tree Musical Light Show; Town Hall Gardens... between:- 23 November 2024 and 5 January 2025, Southport's Town Hall Gardens will be illuminated with Southport's signature Christmas tree and the Boulevard of Light on Lord Street.  The 60ft LED Christmas Tree will display brand new interactive musical light shows and will animate in sync with a medley of classic Christmas songs every hour.  The friendly faces of the Bear and the Reindeer characters will also be lit up to greet visitors of Southport.  Head to:- SouthportBID.Com for more information and for updates on dates and timings. 

3 Explore the Gingerbread Family Trail; Southport Town Centre - The Gingerbread Family are visiting Southport Town Centre again between:-  23 November and 5 January 2024.  Explore the Town Centre in search of the 10 characters and be in with the chance of winning great prizes if you find them all.  Make sure to get your pictures on the Gingerbread Throne and Sleigh too! For more information, visit:- SouthportBID.Com for more information.

4 Oh yes it is! Enjoy a panto extravaganza. This year's Christmas pantomime at The Atkinson is a spellbinding performance of Sleeping Beauty, starring Blue Peter presenter, magician and TikTok sensation, Joel M. Families can enjoy the Christmas adventure between:- 6 November and 31 December 2024. Ticket prices vary. To book online at:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK. And that's not the only pantomime in Town this Christmas. Panto lovers are spoilt for choice with Jack and the Beanstalk at Formby Hall on:- 30 November 2024. For more information visit:- FormbyHallGolfResort.Co.UK. The Snow White pantomime at Southport Dramatic Club will run between:- 21st December and 5th January https://littletheatresouthport.co.uk/ and The Christmas Wish pantomime will be on at The Fool between:- 7 December and 31 December 2024 TheFoolSouthport.Co.UK.

5 Breakfast, lunch or brunch with Santa. Santa is making his rounds in Southport this Christmas. Children can enjoy a festive morning at Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant meeting Santa for breakfast, plus receiving a festive gift and a ride on the iconic Silcock's Carousel. Breakfast with Santa runs from:- 6 December to 22 December, from:- 10.30am.  Visit:- Silcock-Leisure.co.UK for more information.

Santa will also be popping into Southport Market on the:- 8 December, 15 December, 22 December, and 23 December 2024 between:- 1 and 3pm. Free entry. Visit:- SouthportMarket.Com for more information.

Take the children to a magical lunch with Santa at Formby Hall. Festive lunch with fun and games is on:- 1 December; 7 December, and 8 December; 14 December and 15 December, and 21 December and 22 December 2024. Tickets cost £37 for adults, £17.50 for children (3 to 12 year olds), and complimentary for infants (0 to 2 year olds). To book online at:- FormbyHallGolfResort.Co.UK.

Santa will also be making an appearance at Hickory's for a magical brunch on Saturday, 7 December from:- 10am to 5pm. Book your table online at:- Hickorys.Co.UK.

6 Indulge in Southport Waterfront Hotel's Christmas cuisine. The festive season means festive eats, and Southport Waterfront Hotel will be delivering on this with a feast of lunches and dinners throughout the Christmas period. The Hotel is offering up Christmas Party Nights every Friday, and Saturday, from 29 November to 21st December with dinner, live entertainment and a DJ and disco all included.  They will also host Festive Afternoon Tea between:- the 1 December and 23 December which promises a seasonal spread of celebratory Christmas cakes, delightful holiday treats and scrumptious finger sandwiches served with unlimited tea or coffee and a glass of mulled wine.  To book, visit:- WaterfrontSouthportHotel.Co.UK.

7 Holly jolly family fun at Southport Market. The Southport Market is transforming itself into a truly magical Christmas destination.  Its jam packed festive programme includes:- a magical evening featuring a live gospel choir performing your favourite Christmas classics on:- 29 November. Grab a mulled wine, sit back and enjoy an unforgettable show for £3 (under ones go free). There's also lots to keep the children entertained with free Magical Movies to see you through the holiday season, ranging from Elf to Mary Poppins. Get groovy at Party Nights with performances of popular Christmas songs from live singers and bands on:- 7 December, 13 December, 14 December, 20 December and 21 December. And let out your creative side with Christmas candle painting on:- 20 December 2024.  For full information and to book tickets, visit:- SouthportMarket.Com.

8 A Merry Little Christmas at Formby Hall. From party nights to brand new events, Formby Hall is spreading the Christmas cheer.  For a cheeky night out with friends, colleagues and family, attend Christmas Bingo with Baz Todd on the 12 December. The night includes:- a festive buffet with music, dancing and prizes to be won.  Jingle all the way at Formby Hall's Christmas party nights on:- 7 December, 14 December, 21 December and Friday, 20 December. With great tunes, great food, plenty to get in the party mood!   For more information, visit:- FormbyHallGolfResort.Co.UK.

9 Craft your own festive wreath... Guided by expert florists, craft your own wreath at the Southport Waterfront Hotel's wreath-making workshop on:- 24 November and 1 December 2024.  Adorn your door and indulge in a delectable glass of mulled wine, complete with delicious mince pies. To book: WaterfrontSouthportHotel.Co.UK. Or visit Formby Hall where a professional florist will show you how to create the perfect wreath. Workshops are £45, taking place on 3 dates:- 1 December, 5 December and 8 December 2024. Times vary. Visit:- FormbyHallGolfResort.Co.UK to book.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found online at:- VisitsSouthport.Com.

Let us know your thoughts about this years activities via emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:-  Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

Miss Africana UK - A Groundbreaking Celebration of African Heritage and Empowerment

THE countdown has begun for what promises to be a historic event in the UK's cultural calendar. The inaugural edition of:- 'Miss Africana UK,' set to take place on:- 8 December 2024, within the City of Liverpool.. This is an exciting new initiative that aims to:- celebrate African culture, empower women, and promote diversity within the UK's vibrant African community.

This innovative competition is more than just a beauty pageant; it is a platform for young African women to showcase their:- talents, intelligence, and achievements, while embracing their cultural roots. It represents a shift in how African women are represented in mainstream media and offers an opportunity to break stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and build a sense of unity across cultures.

At its core, Miss Africana UK is designed to empower young women by celebrating their beauty both internal and external, and their unique contributions to society. Contestants will not only compete in traditional pageant categories such as:- evening wear, but also participate in a series of challenges focused on:- intellect, public speaking, leadership, and community engagement.

The competition will give these young women a chance to share their personal stories, articulate their ambitions, and demonstrate their understanding of the rich diversity within the African continent. More importantly, it provides them with a powerful platform to encourage self confidence and resilience, qualities that will benefit them long after the event ends.

Titilayo Odunaiya, who is the founder of the event. explains:- "The goal of Miss Africana UK is not only to crown a winner, but to offer every contestant a life changing experience. We want to empower these women, give them the tools to succeed, and help them build a sense of pride in their African heritage."

Miss Africana UK comes at a time when the importance of cultural diversity and representation has never been more crucial. The event seeks to address the underrepresentation of African women in mainstream beauty and fashion industries, where stereotypes often dominate the narrative. By showcasing the incredible talents and potential of African women, Miss Africana UK aims to challenge these outdated perceptions and promote a more inclusive, multifaceted view of beauty.

Titi added:- "Too often, African women are portrayed through a narrow lens. This event is about showing the world that African women are not just beautiful, but intelligent, driven, and capable of achieving greatness in all aspects of life. We hope to create a space where young women can be seen and heard, in all their glory."

In addition to promoting individual growth and empowerment, Miss Africana UK also serves as a celebration of African culture. Contestants will showcase their heritage through traditional attire, music, and dance, reflecting the diverse cultures across the African continent. This cultural display will serve as a reminder of the rich history, creativity, and strength of African communities worldwide.

Beyond the competition, Miss Africana UK aims to create lasting connections within the African diaspora and the broader UK community. The event will feature a diverse lineup of judges, sponsors, and special guests, including notable figures from the worlds of business, entertainment, and politics, all of whom share a passion for supporting young women and promoting diversity.

TiTi commented that:- "This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community. Miss Africana UK isn't just about the contestants; it's about celebrating who we are as a collective our history, our achievements, and our potential for the future."

The event also aligns with a growing global movement to:- empower women, amplify African voices, and promote intercultural dialogue. By shining a spotlight on the achievements and aspirations of African women in the UK, Miss Africana UK will play an important role in changing the narrative and providing a platform for positive stories to emerge.

As the event approaches, the excitement continues to build. Miss Africana UK is expected to become a flagship event in the UK's cultural landscape, attracting attention from a diverse audience eager to celebrate African culture and support the empowerment of young women.

For the contestants, it is a journey of growth, self discovery, and empowerment. For the African community in the UK, it is an opportunity to come together and showcase the richness of their culture and heritage. And for the wider public, it is a chance to witness a new generation of African women stepping forward, confident and proud, ready to take on the world.

Miss Africana UK is poised to become a major force for change, setting the stage for future generations of African women to thrive, lead, and inspire.

The inaugural edition of Miss Africana UK will take place on:- 8 December 2024, at The Black-E, 1 Great George Street, Liverpool, L15EW.

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. To learn more about the event please visit:- MissAfricana.UK.