If you grew up in Portsmouth, it is very likely you’ll have been to the Commercial Road Christmas light switch on.
This year the event took place on Saturday, November 22 between 4.30 and 6pm, and was moved inside due to a poor weather forecast. But the miserable weather didn’t stop the fun, with music, special guests and live performances making it a Christmas shindig to remember.
We have put together a gallery of pictures from the switch on event in the early 2000s:
1. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2008
The Commercial Road Christmas light switch in 2008. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0599) Photo: The News archive
2. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2008
Rowan Hawkins (six) and Jack Hawkins (seven) from Eastney, enjoying the Christmas lights show in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0283) Photo: The News archive
3. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2008
Mark Smith (12), Caroline Smith (41) and Benjamin Smith (seven) celebrating the Christmas lights switch-on in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008. Festive switch-on of the City Centre Christmas Lights in Commercial Road, outside Debenhams near the Jubilee Fountain and inside the Cascades Shopping Centre. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0048) Photo: The News archive
4. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2009
Actress Lisa Reilly leads the Christmas lights switch on in Commercial Road in 2009, with left to right, Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor Terry Hall, Pompey footballer John Utaka, 'Father Christmas', and style icon Jade Linden. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (094172-2) Photo: The News archive