The Best Guide for the Neston Area

Neston Sings Out for Christmas

As the lycrics of what must surely currently be the most covered song in the world go, 'the cold never bothered me anyway.'

So it would appear, as hundreds of people attended the Christmas Lights 'n' Lanterns event in Neston on Friday night, in quite chilly and drizzly conditions.

A parade over 200 lanterns set off from the Market Square, led by an angel, 'Mary' on a donkey and 'Joseph'. Children had been creating their fabulous blue-themed lanterns at workshops with CAN Group over the last few weeks.  Joining them were two highly entertaining stilt-walkers.

The Mayor of Neston, Cllr Janet Griffiths, switched on the lights, assisted by the President of Neston Rotary Club, Professor David Brigden and Vicar of Neston, Revd Alan Dawson.  Admittedly there were a couple of false starts, but once they did light up, the tree and canopy looked very festive. 

New lights adorning the front of the Town Hall have also been well received this year.

MC Roy Wilson then introduced Paula Prytherch of Hip & Harmony CIC, who led the crowds in singing festive songs, before the Rotary Club's Santa arrived to lead everyone back to the Square, where refreshments and entertainment were to be found, alongside Santa's Grotto.

Lovely festive performances followed, by Little Actors Theatre Company, the brand new Neston Ukes group, singing quartet Night & Day and the HIp & Harmony Adult Choir.  The latter two will also be performing at a very special Swing into Christmas event at Elephant in Parkgate on Monday December 15.

The grand finale was breathtaking.  Directed by Paula Prytherch, 120 local school children, dressed to resemble little glittery snowflakes, accompanied by members of the Hip & Harmony adult choir and a live band, brought to life the iconic song from Frozen, 'Let it Go.'

With a quirky African beat, the performance involved dance moves as well as vocals, with all the adults and children performing brilliantly.  A particular shout-out to Charly Prytherch for the excellent lead vocal. What a spectacular conclusion to Neston's annual gateway to Christmas!

A special thank you to the band members - Marcel Musset, Chris Blythyn, Danny Doyle and Paul Doyle.

The Lights 'n' Lanterns event is organised each year by the CH64 Events Group led by CAN Group's Eileen Miller and Zaria Shreef.  It is mainly funded by Neston Town Council. This year, additional funding was provided for the finale costumes, by Neston & District Chamber of Trade, MGC Solicitors, Lucy Brooks (Chartered Certified Accountant) and local resident Lynn Clare. The costumes were created by the very talented Clare Danks.

Grateful thanks to Neston Rotary Club and all the volunteers who make this event and other community activities possible. Also to Neston Police for their support.

Our thanks to photographers Rob Clive, Bernard Rose and David Sejrup.  If you have photos you would like to share, please send them in by email.

Photo Gallery

Here are the first batch of photos, more will be added over the next couple of days and we also hope to have a video to share with you, so please do check back.

In no particular order.....

All pictures above and the next set are from Rob Clive:

Next set from David Sejrup:

Video 

If you can't see the video in the pane below, please click on the following link to see David Sejrup's AMAZing film of the event on YouTube: 

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Comments

Rob Ward

At 19:35 on 6th December 2014, Rob Ward commented:

Well done, everybody - we're not bothered by cold and rain. This was Neston at its best! Some visitors from a local town recently said they were envious of the community feeling in Neston. Let's pat ourselves on the back!

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