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:
13. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2008
The German Christmas market in full swing in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0094) Photo: The News archive
14. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth. Pictured is Streetforce DC street dancers in 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-3) Photo: The News archive
15. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas light switch on in Portsmouth. Pictured is Portsmouth Rock Choir sings in 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-19) Photo: The News archive
16. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth. Pictured L-R Heart FM's Bunker, Linvoy Primus and Pompey captain Liam Lawrence in 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-8) Photo: The News archive