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:
5. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth in 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-18) Photo: The News archive
6. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Pictured: Pompey football heroes (left to right), Shaun Derry, Mike Panopoulos, Gary O'Neil and Darren Moore enjoy the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road in Portsmouth. Photo: The News archive
7. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2006
On come the Christmas lights in Commercial Road Portsmouth in 2006. Picture: Steve Reid (065019-69) Photo: The News archive
8. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2008
The News sellers and promotions team with their goodie bags, enjoying the Christmas lights show in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008. Festive switch-on of the City Centre Christmas Lights in Commercial Road. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0288) Photo: The News archive