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:
29. 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: (l-r) Zoe Hanson from Heart Breakfast, Christopher Marlowe playing Queen Gertie the Gorgeous, Daniella Westbrook playing Fairy Sparkle in the Kings Theatre Christmas Panto Sleeping Beauty, The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Cllr. Lynne Stagg and her granddaughter Willow Kilty (6) and Father Christmas turning on the lights. Picture: Sarah Standing (133202-8958) Photo: The News archive
30. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2015
Commercial Road in Portsmouth turned on their Christmas lights in 2015 with a fireworks display finale. Pictured is: Timestep School of Dance during their performance Picture: Sarah Standing (151929-2077) Photo: The News archive
31. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road 2015
Commercial Road in Portsmouth turned on their Christmas lights on in 2015 with a fireworks display finale. Pictured is: May Sneddon (58) with her granddaughter Emily-May McClure (1) both from Milton. Picture: Sarah Standing (151929-2084) Photo: The News archive
32. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. Sean Smith of Same Difference. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-13) Photo: The News archive