Hoole Community Christmas Lights Switch On

The Hoole Community Christmas Lights Switch On returns to Hoole Community Centre on Saturday 14 November, running from 12pm to 6pm. It's the second year the event has been held here, and it's run by the Hoole Community Development Trust, a registered charity. The whole day is built around live music, local choirs, stalls, and festive food and drink, with the lights themselves switching on around 5pm.

There are a few specific things on the go throughout the afternoon: a Christmas Jumper Parade and a visit to Santa's grotto are among the activities. For those who find crowds a bit much, there's a quieter first hour from 12pm to 1pm with calmer activities for children. Every attendee gets a wristband that gives access to exclusive discounts at participating local businesses, so it's worth keeping hold of it. The evening carries on beyond the switch-on, with the centre inviting visitors to continue the celebration at the neighbourhood's bars and restaurants.

It's a good look at what the centre does when it isn't Christmas, too. Beyond the festive stuff, they run a weekly senior's club, an international coffee morning, an IT buddies group, and a social table tennis afternoon. That's the Trust's regular work in the background of the day.

Entry is £5 for adults, £3 for under-16s, and free for children under 4. The whole thing runs from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday 14 November at Hoole Community Centre, with the lights coming on around 5pm.