LEVENSHULME TRIPS
THE LIGHT FANTASTIC AGAIN

Every year the Levenshulme Lights Switch On attracts thousands of people from across the area. and at 6pm on Monday 9th December, the streets of Levenshulme were lit up again for Christmas when the festive lights were switched on.

Brookside's Philip Olivier, who plays 'Tin Head' flicked the switch, alongside various local dignitaries, beloved football mascots 'Moonchester' and 'Fred The Red'

The occasion was a truly magical experience, with the fun starting at 3pm. Children of all ages were amazed by the Christmas funfair and fire eaters, enchanted by the eight foot high snow queen, and enthralled by the Santa on stilts, who was on hand to captivate the crowds with tricks and treats to make this an exceptionally memorable experience for all.

Father Christmas just gets younger & younger each year. He is
pictured here delivering the goods to Iceland

Father Christmas is seen here 'councilling' his constituents on what
they want for Christmas

Aspinal Primary School entertain the crowds with some lovely
Christmas carols

A giant Father Christmas & a Giant Fairy entertain the crowds

Local actor Vinny Davies the star of ITV's "Stan the man" belts out a
Christmas number

Fred the Red with Paul Osbourne the manager of the
Packhorse pub and his son

The official switch on was performed by Rob Ramwell from the A6
SrB, the Lord & Lady Mayoress of Manchester plus Philip Olivier who plays "Tin Head" in Channel Four's Brookside

Cllr. John Commons, Father Christmas & Alex Cowan

Lawrence Hennigan, Philip Olivier & the owner of the Topkapi.

Philip Olivier, Kath Hennigan & Levenshulme Pub Company Chairman Lawrence Hennigan Junior

The Levenshulme Christmas Lights Switch On is sponsored by the A6 Partnership, and supported by the Levenshulme Pub Company and Levenshulme Traders.

Rob Ramwell, Programme Coordinator at The A6 Partnership commented: "The Levenshulme Lights Switch On is an ideal opportunity for the whole community to celebrate the beginning of the festive season together. Over the past 12 months Levenshulme has been transformed through funding from the A6 Partnership to make it a more attractive shopping destination. We are delighted to be able to sponsor the event for the third year running, especially as this year promises to be even more enchanting then previous years."

Levenshulme is located on the A6, which is a major arterial route in and out of the city. It is becoming a popular shopping destination, in particular for antiques collectors throughout the Northwest, who are attracted by the antiques and specialist trader market.

The photographs from the Christmas Lights 2000 Switch On are here

The photographs from the Christmas Lights 2001 Switch On are here