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:
33. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. Giselle Academy Dance. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-12) Photo: The News archive
34. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. (left to right), gran, Maria James with Henry James (nine), Faye Ware (seven), Millie-Mae Petzing and mum Jade Ware from Portsmouth Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-6) Photo: The News archive
35. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Hundreds of people saw the Christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth 2016. Street Force. Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-5) Photo: The News archive
36. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Hundreds of people saw the christmas lights switch on at Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2016. (left to right), Darren Jones and partner Jackie Browning from Fratton and Jake Hyde-Browning (eight). Picture Ian Hargreaves (161295-7) Photo: The News archive