Liverpool city centre might be much quieter than usual but the streets are twinkling after this year’s Christmas lights were switched on.
With little fanfare due to the lockdown, the lights came on this evening along Church Street, Bold Street, Williamson Square and surrounding areas.
Last night, Liverpool ONE was lit up with sparkling reindeer, giant baubles and its famous colour changing Christmas tree. Later this month, on November 26, a 45ft tree will be lit up on Church Street.
With the current lockdown restrictions preventing bars, restaurants and non-essential shops opening, there was no big event to mark the Christmas lights being switched on. In previous years Liverpool ONE has staged an event to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season.
This year sees the return of the large LED Christmas tree in Williamson Square, that shoppers loved in 2019, but there will be no walk through option due this time.
Liverpool BID Company has also brought back the light tunnel on Church Alley, leading up to the Bluecoat, but without the music that shoppers enjoyed last year.
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Tonight, the Albert Dock was also lit up with the return of the sparkling Liver birds Bella and Bertie, plus characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms, and illuminated Triton and Neptune statues.
People visiting the city centre over Christmas can also find a ceiling of lights on Richmond Street leading up to Williamson Square and on Bold Street. For the first time, there will also be festive lights along Hope Street, between the two cathedrals.
What do you think of this year's Christmas lights? Let us know in the comments below
It’s important to remember that England’s lockdown rules remain in place until December 2, when they will be reviewed and until then people must not spend time outside their homes except for specific reasons, which include work, education and shopping for essential items including food and medicine.
People are permitted to meet in outdoor public areas with those in their household or support bubble, or one other person as long as they stick to social distancing rules, including staying two metres apart.
