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:
37. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2016
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-4) Photo: The News archive
38. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2016
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. (left to right), Lemar Adekoya (11), mum Angela Welch and sister Shadae (six). Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-3) Photo: The News archive
39. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Commercial Road in Portsmouth turned on their Christmas lights on back in 2015 with a fireworks display finale. Pictured is: Anita Harris signs an autograph for Eliza Jones (8) from Fratton. Picture: Sarah Standing (151929-2492) Photo: The News archive