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:
17. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas light switch on in Portsmouth. Pictured is Manic Stage Productions performing a Jazz number in 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-5) Photo: The New archive
18. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth. Pictured is the crowd 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-16) Photo: The News archive
19. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2011
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth in 2011. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-13) Photo: The News archive
20. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth. Pictured L-R Marcus Patric, Linvoy Primus, Pompey captain Liam Lawrence with his son Thomas, Lord Mayor Cheryl Buggy, Imogen Rogers 10, Charlie the Clown Fish from Blue Reef and the Face of Cascades Rachel Malley. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-10) Photo: The News archive