Christmas is likely to be a lot different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and it means we will not have the same large events for light switch-ons as in previous years.
The Commercial Road event has always been particularly popular with families who are looking to start their Christmas celebrations early.
Here are a selection of photos from the switch-on in recent years – do you feature in our gallery?
The majority of images are available to purchase should you wish to do so on our Photosales section, or you can call 0330 403 0033 or email [email protected].
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1. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Rowan Hawkins (six) and Jack Hawkins (seven) from Eastney, enjoying the Christmas lights show in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008. Festive switch-on of the City Centre Christmas Lights in Commercial Road, outside Debenhams near the Jubilee Fountain and inside the Cascades Shopping Centre. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0283) Photo: The News archive
2. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Mark Smith (12), Caroline Smith (41) and Benjamin Smith (seven) celebrating the Christmas lights switch-on in Commercial Road, Portsmouth in 2008 Festive switch-on of the City Centre Christmas Lights in Commercial Road, outside Debenhams near the Jubilee Fountain and inside the Cascades Shopping Centre. Picture: Michael Scaddan (084638-0048) Photo: The News archive
3. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Actress Lisa Reilly leads the Christmas lights switch on in Commercial Road in 2009, with left to right, Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor Terry Hall, Pompey footballer John Utaka, 'Father Christmas', and style icon 2009, Jade Linden. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (094172-2) Photo: The News archive
4. Christmas Lights in Commercial Road
Commercial Road Christmas lights switch on in Portsmouth in 2011. The crowd. Picture: Paul Jacobs (114102-18) Photo: The News archive