Bootle is getting ready to light up for Christmas, with plenty of festive events over the next couple of weeks for the whole family to enjoy.

Marking the start to the festivities, The Strand’s Christmas Light Switch On will take place this Saturday 23^rd November. Starting from 12.30pm, Salt and Tar will host a free fairground, with a special stage show beginning half an hour later in the Hexagon. Hits Radio’s Leanne Campbell will host a gala event that stars Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter tribute acts, while some family favourite characters will also show up.

From 3pm until 5pm, children visiting the Strand will even have a chance to meet Santa, have their photo taken and receive a free gift. Festivities then move over to Stanley Road, where Leanne Campbell will switch on the Christmas Tree Lights.

Christmas mysteries

On the same day, In Another Place will launch a brand-new walk-through experience called The Secret At Christmas. Small groups will be invited into a Christmas wonderland to try to find out what the secret of Christmas really is. Led by a clumsy scientist, the audience will explore the traditions and festivities of Christmas, discovering its true origins and an exciting secret.

Performances last 45 minutes and will be taking place from 10am to 4.30pm. Shows will take place on Saturdays 23^rd and 30^th November, as well as Saturday 7^th December, with multiple time slots each day. Tickets are just £6 per child and £9 per adult, and can be booked online at www.inanotherplace.com.

Festive fun

For the little ones who want to share their Christmas wishes with the special man of the season, Santa’s Grotto will open from Saturday 7^th until Monday 23^rd December in The Castle. Also run by In Another Place, the Grotto is a full experience, with the chance to see tin soldiers and elves helping to prepare for Santa’s big arrival.

Tickets start at £7 and each ticket allows entry for one child and up to two adults. The Grotto is expected to be busy, so it is recommended to pre-book a time slot online before arriving.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said: “The countdown to Christmas has begun and I’m excited to see festive plans taking shape.

“The Strand is the heart of the Bootle community and it’s fantastic that so many activities for all the family will be taking place there. Previous events have always been a real joy and I know it’ll be the same this time.

“This is a great way to cap off the year and lead us in to 2025, where we’ll see our transformation of the Strand take significant strides.

“Please continue to visit the shopping centre and support our fantastic retailers and organisations there.”

Preparations are underway ahead of next year’s demolition work at The Strand, but the shopping centre will remain fully open during the Christmas period and all future work. 

Stay up to date with all future events and activities at www.strandshoppingcentre.com.