Borough band The K's to headline Christmas lights switch-on events

Article date: 13 November 2023

Hailing from Earlestown, the four-piece band have taken the indie music scene by storm, with several million streams of hit singles including Sarajevo and Glass Towns.  

With their first album, I Wonder If The World Knows, to be released in March 2024 followed by a two-month tour in April and May - having already supported the likes of Blondie, Liam Gallagher and James - the group will headline the council's town centre Christmas lights switch-on shows in St Helens and their hometown, Earlestown, where a range of official merchandise will be available to purchase on both days.  

Taking place on Saturday 25 November and Saturday 2 December in St Helens and Earlestown respectively, the switch-on shows will feature a whole host of local talented musical performers, as well as an array of festive characters to greet the thousands of visitors expected to attend - while funfair rides, arts and crafts activities, face painting, real reindeer and a free ice rink will add to the occasion.        

With the overall aim of Christmas light switch-on events bringing everyone together to celebrate the very best of the borough during its year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, there will be appearances from the Pride of St Helens 'Child of Courage' finalists and local schools, with cast members from St Helens Theatre Royal's Christmas pantomime, Aladdin, and much more.  

Commenting on the prospect of headlining in their home borough, The K's said in a statement: "We're made up to be asked to help turn on the Christmas lights in our local towns of St Helens and Earlestown. Having attended so many of these ourselves as kids it's an absolute privilege to be involved ourselves." 

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: "Our annual town centre Christmas lights switch-on events give a platform for the many talented individuals and groups we have here to show off the very best of the borough - and who better to headline this year's shows during our year as Borough of Culture than The K's whose astronomical rise and following has established them as one of the most exciting and talked about indie bands in the country.  

"This Christmas, we're building on last year's shows for a bigger and better overall experience and by securing such an impressive local act, we're hoping to draw in the crowds as we start the countdown to the festive period in style."  

Over the coming weeks, a number of Christmas trees will be installed in all wards around the borough, with town centre trees and lights externally funded once again.

The St Helens town centre Christmas lights switch-on will be held in Church Square on Saturday 25 November between 12:00pm-6:00pm, followed by the Earlestown switch-on the week after on Saturday 2 December from 1:00pm-7:00pm.  

Other confirmed events taking place over the festive period include a meet Santa family funday at the North West Museum of Road Transport on 25-26 November, 10:00am-4:00pm; the St Helens Santa Dash in Victoria Park on Saturday 9 December; breakdancing Santa at Church Square Shopping Centre, Saturday 9 December; Wonder Art's 'Twinkle Twinkle' in Church Square Shopping Centre, 9-10 December - as well as craft fairs and family friendly entertainment in St Mary's Market every Saturday between 25 November and 16 December. 

Meanwhile, Santa will be available to hear any Christmas wishes from his Grotto in Church Square Shopping Centre on 25-26 November and then 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23 December between 10:00am-4:00pm. 

To find out more about upcoming events this Christmas, 'like' the What's on in St Helens on Facebook page or follow @whatsonsthelens on X. 

For more details on The K's upcoming album and tour, visit: https://theks.band/