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:
25. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2012
Portsmouth Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on 2012. Pictured singing is Naomi Stefanie of 6 Foot 4 11 and a half Picture: Paul Jacobs (123834-3) Photo: The News archive
26. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2012
Portsmouth Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on 2012. Street Force DC dance group performing. Picture: Paul Jacobs (123834-1) Photo: The News archive
27. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2016
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. Vicki Michelle and Phil Randall from the Kings Theatre Panto with Rich Clarke from Heart and The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor David Fuller and Lady Mayoress Leza Tremorin, switch on the lights. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-14) Photo: The News archive
28. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2013
The Cascades Shopping Centre in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, when they turned on their Christmas lights back in 2013. Pictured is: Kaileigh Wythe (28) with her partner Toby Barber (28) and their two sons (left) Max Barber-Wythe (13 months old) and Oakley Barber-Wythe (5) from Southsea, at the Christmas lights switch on. Picture: Sarah Standing (133202-8967) Photo: The News archive