Christmas – it’s all wrapped up!

15th November 2010

Supported by Arriva, this year’s Christmas programme – one of the region’s biggest free Christmas events - promises to be more exciting than ever.

Twist ‘n Pulse (Britain's Got Talent Runners-Up) head the dazzling Christmas line-up unveiled in the run-up to the festive season.

The comedy dancers – aka Glen Murphy and Ashley Glazebrook - are the star attraction at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on (Saturday 20 November) – which also features an ice rink, authentic Victorian carousel, real reindeer and a host of children’s characters including the Sportacus and Stephanie UK Actors – officially approved by Lazytown - and much, much more.

With a fantastic new light system, the switch-on is one of the region’s largest free Christmas events – bringing thousands of people into the town centre.

The weekend of Saturday and Sunday, November 20th and 21st, marks the sixth Northwest Racing Masters which sees thrilling top-class horseracing at two of Britain’s favourite racecourses, Haydock Park and Aintree.

Then on Saturday 27th November, it’s all aboard the Santa Express, the ever-popular children’s train ride in and around Church Square.

For music lovers there is a chance for an evening with Haydock Male Voice Choir on Saturday 27th November at 7.30pm in St.Helens Town Hall. Tickets are just £8.

On Wednesday 1st December the new Christmas Crib will be unveiled at the Gamble Building in Victoria Square and an authentic Victorian Carousel arrives in Church Square, both of which will be hugely popular.

Saturday 4th December sees the launch of ‘St.Helens on Ice’ - a fantastic ice rink for all the family to enjoy! Group and party bookings available. For group bookings, please call 01744 675305

The World of Glass will host a Craft Fair on Sunday 5th December. The fair will have stalls selling jewellery, cards, paintings, food, cakes and of course glass.

Christmas at the Town Hall is a festive celebration featuring schools from across St.Helens and will take place on 7th, 8th and 9th December, 7:30pm at St.Helens Town Hall. Tickets are £5.

Enjoy a Character Wonderland on Saturday 11th December. The event will see LazyTown’s Stephanie and Sporticus performing in Parish Church, Church Square.

It features two mini-performances (20 minutes each show) by the Lazytown children's TV characters - and there will be 1300 FREE tickets to give away for the 'Get Active Mini Shows' (first come first served).

Tickets will be available from Town Hall reception 2pm - 4pm on
Monday 22nd, Wednesday 24th, Friday 26th and Monday 29th November and Wednesday 1st, Friday 3rd, Monday 6th, Wednesday 8th and Friday 10th December.

For more information call 01744 676886. Book now to avoid disappointment.

The same day also sees craft workshops being staged in Central Library, Victoria Square, with two sessions: Christmas card making and decorations and Toy Soldiers and Fairies.

Later on, St.Helens Choral Society will perform Handel's Messiah at 7:30pm in the Town Hall. Tickets are £11.

A Grand Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday 18th December around the town centre and is the culmination of the Christmas programme. It features the popular lantern procession, real reindeer, Christmas and winter themed characters including Raymond Briggs’ ‘Father Christmas’ and the ‘The Snowman’.

And don’t forget the popular Town Hall Tea Dances in the run up to Christmas on Thursday 4th November, Thursday 2nd December and Thursday 16th December. The tea dances start at 2pm until 4pm.