Liverpool City Centre is sparkling for Christmas

Liverpool’s Church Street and Williamson Square are in full on Christmas mode with two huge, twinkly-lit Christmas trees, and one magical projection on Primark, bringing festive cheer to shoppers, visitors and businesses alike.

The 52ft traditional, Sitka spruce tree on Church Street (opposite Schuh) is now illuminated for the 2017 festive season, with over 14,000 twinkling lights and 450 specially designed baubles, which are miniature versions of the large stars suspended on Bold Street and Castle Street.

Over on Williamson Square, a special interactive Christmas tree (a joint project between Liverpool BID Company and Open Culture) invites people to “Play the Tree” and make the interactive, multi-coloured illuminations come to life by simply placing their hand on the six touch sensors around the base. “Play the Tree” has been designed and created by artist, Simon Armstrong and creative technologist, Adrian McEwen.

A magical, audio-visual projection installation, called “Celestial Light”, also bathes the Primark building on Church Street in colours and patterns, and will change and grow in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year. Take a minute or two from the Christmas rush, look up and enjoy a moment of calm and reflection!

The trees and projection come thanks to a partnership between the BID and Liverpool City Council, with support from Arts Council England, and join Christmas lights already adorning Church Street, Richmond Street, Lord Street, Clayton Square, Cook Street, Tithebarn Street, Chapel Street, and Old Hall Street, plus the special “Follow the Star” commissions on Bold Street and Castle Street – all part of the One Magical City festive campaign.

The eye-catching Liverpool Star baubles on the Church Street spruce come courtesy of local multi-media experts, Kazimier Productions and Liverpool artist, Anna Mulhearn.

Deborah Aydon, executive director at Everyman & Playhouse, Liverpool BID Company member, said:

“Everyone loves seeing the city centre Christmas trees and it’s great to have the traditional one on Church Street and the more modern alternative at Williamson Square – something to suit all tastes! Thanks to the BID and the city council for coming together and making us all – shoppers, visitors and businesses included – feel extra Christmassy this year!”

Bill Addy, chief executive, Liverpool BID Company, said:

“We’re working on behalf of our members and closely with the city council to bring some added Christmas magic to the city centre this year, ensuring the BID areas not only look fantastic but remain at the heart of the city-wide One Magical City Christmas campaign. From the tress and lights, to the reindeer visits and family festive workshops at Metquarter and St Johns Shopping Centre, visitors to the city centre this Christmas are in for a real treat.”

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: 

“There is already a festive feel to the city centre, but switching on the lights on both huge trees will be the icing on the Christmas cake!

“The trees will provide a beautiful focal point, and the lights and specially designed decorations are sure to be a real attraction for shoppers and visitors alike.”

Other things happening this Christmas in the Liverpool BID Company areas, include:

St Paul’s Square Christmas tree

·       The BID has, in partnership with CBRE, funded the Christmas tree in St Paul’s Square, bringing some festive cheer to the Commercial District

Cairngorm reindeer at Queen Square

·       Working with Promenade Estates, the BID has sponsored the real Cairngorm reindeer visiting Queen Square throughout December. Come and meet them on Thursdays, December 14 and 21

Christmas workshops at St Johns Shopping Centre

·       Working with Open Culture and St Johns Shopping Centre, the BID has created a Christmas workshop station inside the centre, including an ‘Elfie Selfie’ photo frame and a ‘Polar Postie’ to send letters to Father Christmas. Workshops run Saturdays and Sundays until December 17, between 12pm-4pm

Christmas workshops at Metquarter

·       Again, working with Open Culture and Metquarter, the BID has put together a series of Christmas workshops, from wreath-making to creating handmade decorations. Running until December 16, every Saturday, between 12pm-4pm

The Christmas trees and lights are all part of One Magical City, a programme of festive activity which takes place across Liverpool, from its waterfront to the retail heart and historical areas. For a full programme of all of the events across the city visit https://www.onemagicalcity.co.uk/.

For more information about Liverpool BID Company, please visit www.liverpoolbidcompany.com