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Lanterns and Elves Herald the Arrival of Christmas in Neston

Author: Carrie Spacey

Published: 2nd December 2018 12:48

Neston came alive to the sights, sounds and even smells of the Christmas season, with the Elves 'n' Bells event on Saturday December 1st.

Elves n Bells in Neston 2018 Photo by Rob Clive

Organised by the CH64 events group with Neston Town Council, Hip & Harmony CIC, Neston Community Youth Centre and Neston Rotary Club, the day saw the return of the much-missed lantern parade, a Christmas Market, live entertainment all around the town centre and a live nativity tableau at the Parish Church.

Elves n Bells in Neston 2018 Photo by David Sejrup

The event was officially opened by Santa, before he made his way to a fabulous Grotto, where trees and decorations came courtesy of Station House Nurseries and Righway Ltd, set up by volunteers including the ever-tireless Claire Danks.

Neston Elves n Bells 2018 Photo by Bernard Rose

Festive stalls were in abundance in the Market Square, the Town Hall and on Brook Street, co-ordinated by the Town Centre team led by Nicky McMahon, who soldiered through the final preparation and throughout the day, despite a poorly back - special commendation for Nicky!

Elves n Bells in Neston 2018

Alongside traders there were stalls run by community groups including the local Guides, Neston Army Cadets and the Ellesmere Port and Neston police unit.

Neston Elves n Bells 2018 Photo by Bernard Rose

Performances on the main stage, the Town Hall stage and at Busk Stops around the town was co-ordinated by Hip & Harmony's Paula Prytherch. Over the last few weeks, Paula had been going into local primary schools to firstly get the children's input on writing an original festive song and then to rehearsing them all for the grand finale performance on Saturday night. A tremendous project.

Other participating performers included Little Actors Theatre Company, Hip & Harmony's 64 N'Ukes and Community Choir, PAFTA, The Remnants, Modjango, Burton Bell Ringers, Neston Singers, Port Sunlight Brass Band and Bright Lights Theatre Group.

Elves n Bells in Neston 2018 Photo by David Sejrup

'Mary' and the 'Angel Gabriel' led the lantern parade along with Mayor of Neston Cllr Pat Kynaston, Rev Alan Dawson, Neston Rotary President Eamon Fergus and the Mayor's guest, Deputy Mayor of Frodsham, Cllr Liam Jones.

The main Christmas tree at the Cross was the parade's eventual destination, with around 200 lanterns taking part. These had been created in a series of workshops on the run-up, at schools and NCYC, co-ordinated by Zaria Shreef. Some hugely creative ideas had gone into them this year, they all looked magnificent.

Elves n Bells in Neston 2018 Photo by David Sejrup

As always, these events simply could not proceed without the huge efforts of a number of committed volunteers. A huge thank you to all of you who gave up your time and energy to make the event happen and for making it so enjoyable.

Elves n Bells in Neston 2018