Award-winning brass band, to spectacular light parade - your guide to this weekend's Christmas in St Helens event

Article date: 26 November 2024

Taking place in different areas and venues across town between 10:00am-6:00pm, here's everything you need to know on what's happening, where and when.

Festive entertainment in Church Square and St Mary's Market has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

From children's cinema and Christmas stories to festive walkaround characters, award-winning brass bands and a hugely popular artisan market - as well as an inaugural light walk in partnership with Willowbrook Hospice - there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Kath O'Dwyer, Chief Executive of St Helens Borough Council, said: "We hope that residents will enjoy and embrace this year's events which have been planned in collaboration with community partners, with something for everyone to enjoy.

"This year, we're delighted to collaborate with a number of truly amazing partners across the local charity and faith sectors to put together a fantastic festive treat as we start the countdown to Christmas in St Helens Borough.

"We know how important this time of year is to residents across our communities and how holding such events has a positive impact on town centre businesses that contribute to the local economy, with the Pop Up Market a great addition to this year's offering. Going off how successful the Pop-Up Market has been in St Helens over the past few months, we are sure that will be the case for both our Christmas events, too."

Event timetable as it stands:

10:00am-6:00pm, Church Street: Pop Up Market featuring an array of artisan stalls

10:00am-3:00pm, Church Square: Festive Street Entertainment

10:00am-4:00pm, Parish Church: Arts and Crafts (including Christingle making)

11:00am-12:00pm, Bookstop, Bridge Street: Grumps at Christmas Storytime with Sue Gerrard

11:00am-12:00pm, Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+, Corporation Street: The Stick Man animated festive film

11:00am-2:00pm, St Mary's Market: Christmas-themed Graffiti Art Workshops with UC Crew (Powered By Hip Hop)

11:00am-4:00pm, former Go Outdoors unit, Church Street: Wonder Arts Light Making Workshop

2:00pm-3:00pm, Church Square: Valley Brass Band (recent recipients of The King's Award)

4:00pm-5:00pm, St Helens Town Hall: Light Parade - meet at St Helens Town Hall, parade starts at 4.30pm and finishes in Church Square at 5pm

5:00pm, Church Square: Christmas Tree lights switch-on with festive performances from Buzz Hub Choir

St Helens library staff will also be in attendance, promoting the service and providing Christmas crafts (lantern making)

For more information, including details of the Earlestown town centre Christmas celebration event taking place on Saturday 7 December between 10:00am-6:00pm, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/christmas