The Best Guide for the Neston Area

The Lights Go On In Neston!

Finally, after a delay of a week due to poor weather, the Christmas tree and Canopy in Neston were illuminated on Saturday December 12th.

Pictured here are Rotary Club of Neston President Guy Tilby, Reverend Alan Dawson and Mayor of Neston, Cllr Mike Shipman, switching the lights on.

Photo by Bernard Rose

At last, they're on! Photo by Bernard Rose

The annual Lights 'n' Lanterns event in Neston, organised by the CH64 Events Group led by CAN, had originally been scheduled to take place on Saturday 5th December. However, after a Met Office warning of very high winds, the organisers reluctantly cancelled the event, rather than risk the safety of everyone, particularly the children taking part.

A rapidly convened meeting on Monday saw the decision taken to re-schedule as much of the event as possible for the following Saturday.  Most of the scheduled performers were secured, the main change was to the refreshments stalls on the Square. This year there were to have been several more than in the past, but all those booked  had prior commitments on the new date.  Happily Fresh Caterers were able to step in at the 11th hour to provide hot dogs and warm drinks.

The new date brought rain for most of the day, but thankfully it cleared just in time for the entertainments to start on the Square.  First up was Linda Pelling, usually the one behind the camera, but this year performing some great Christmas standards to help get everyone in the festive mood.

Linda Pelling entertained in the Square. Photo by David Sejrup

Linda was followed by the accomplished multi-musician Kenny & The Energy, bringing his quirky routine, also with a festive flavour, to the crowds.  

Kenny & the Energy. Photo by David Sejrup

The traditional lantern parade set off on time, led by 'Mary', 'Joseph' and their donkey, along with dignitaries Guy Tilby (President of the Rotary Club of Neston), Cllr Mike Shipman (the Mayor of Neston) and Reverend Alan Dawson of the Parish of Neston.

Photo by Bernard Rose

At the Cross, compere David Clark introduced everyone, speeches were made and, at last, the lights on the Christmas tree and canopy were switched on.  An accomplished performance by vocal harmony group Affinity followed, including a sing-along to 'Walking in a Winter Wonderland.'

Santa arrived to lead everyone back to the Market Square for more entertainment. This came in the shape of the Col and Si Show (a last minute replacement for the Poppies, who were unable to make it); the 64 N'ukes with Hip & Harmony Community Choir; the Night Whispers and, as a grand finale, the massed schools choir performance of 'Sparkle and Shine.'

The Col and Si Show. Photo by David Sejrup

64 N'Ukes with the Hip & Harmony Community Choir. Photo by David Sejrup

The Night Whispers Photo by David Sejrup

The massed schools' choir. Photo by David Sejrup

Numbers were, understandably, considerably down, both in terms of the audience and the participants in the Parade and the children's performance at the end.  It didn't stop those that were there from having a fabulous evening, celebrating, finally, the arrival of the Christmas season in Neston.

Well done to everyone involved, particularly CAN Group's Eileen Miller and Zaria Shreef, along with all the volunteers that make up the CH64 Events Group who helped to organise and steward the event. Plus Paula Prytherch of Hip & Harmony CIC, who co-ordinated the childrens' performance and that of the choir.  You are all shining stars of the community.

CAN and the CH64 Events Group

Photo Gallery

Here are a selection of photos from the event. If you have any you would like us to add, please email them to us.

Affinity, who led singing on The Cross

David Clark took on MC duties for the evening

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Photo by David Sejrup

Louise at Sainsbury's had some rather tall takers for her complementary mince pies!

Here are some additional photos courtesy of Rob Clive (added 15th December):

Video

Click here to view David Sejrup's video compilation of the event on YouTube.

Click here to see the Schools Choir performance, courtesy of Capture My Big Day.com.

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Comments

Lambster

At 12:13 on 13th December 2015, Lambster commented:

Should rename the town Neston-by-Dunkirk! Good to see so many smiling faces despite the cold, wet weather and the complication of the dates. WEll done to all I say.

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cangroup

At 12:54 on 14th December 2015, cangroup commented:

Great article as ever Carrie! CAN Group on behalf of the Events Group would like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved: Neston Rotary, Claire Danks (and family) for tireless and creative help with the grotto, Chris, Bea and Katie for feeding all the volunteers and performers, NCYC's Gareth for massive help with stewarding and staging, the NCS crew and other CAN volunteers for braving the rain and cold all night, Sion of Station House Nurseries for providing trees for and help with the grotto, Rightways Neston for helping provide grotto decorations, Fresh Catering for stepping in last minute to serve hot drinks, Hip & Harmony's Paula for the wonderful schools choir, MC David Clarke for stepping in to fill Roy Wilson's large shoes, all the performers on the night, David Sejrup, Bernard Rose and Rob Clive for photos, and Neston Town Council for funding the event. Well done everyone!

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Rob Ward

At 19:56 on 14th December 2015, Rob Ward commented:

...and special thanks to Eileen Miller and Zaria Shreef of CAN for doing the seemingly impossible, re-arranging all this in a few days - magic! Fewer people than usual, but the children (of all ages) really enjoyed themselves. I thought the stilt walkers were brilliant. At 3 p.m. it was tempting to stay in away from the wind and rain - but the wind and rain did stop, and it was a super evening!

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