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:
9. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2009
Abigail Childs (five), and Christopher Martin (seven), from Landport watch the Christmas lights switch on in Commercial Road in 2009. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (094172-8100) Photo: The News archive
10. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas light switch on in Portsmouth 2011. Pictured is the Charles Dickens Junior School choir. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-1) Photo: The News archive
11. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2008
Huge crowds await the Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0102) Photo: Th News archive
12. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2009
Sam Clarke from Leigh Park with her children Freddie (four), and Mollie (seven), and grandmother Julie Williams (right) watch the Christmas lights switch on in Commercial Road in 2009. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (094172-5) Photo: The News archive