Hoole Christmas Lights

frankp57By
Nov-22-2017
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Sunday just gone (19th November) saw the annual Hoole Christmas lights switch on. Did you go? What did you think? One of the big differences compared with previous years of course was that it was on a Sunday instead of the normal Saturday. I’m not sure why it was Sunday this year. Maybe somebody can let me know. It did seem to have an effect on the numbers though. There didn’t seem to be as many people knocking about compared to previous years. Having said that it was well attended though. It’s just that were so many in previous years. Uncomfortably so at times. Sunday was just right for numbers really. You could enjoy the great atmosphere but still move around easy enough.

Hoole Christmas Lights – Good Turn Out

Hoole Christmas Lights

Hoole Christmas Lights-Nov 19th

This photo does not truly reflect the numbers that attended the Hoole Christmas Lights switch on. I took this photo at about 7pm after a tasty bite to eat and pint in The Faulkner pub. Most of the masses had moved on by then, but the photo says it all really – “Welcome To Hoole”.

Local Music Talent

One of the key features for me on the Hoole Christmas lights switch on is the fine array of musical talent on show. As ever, Dee 106.30 were there and kept everybody well informed as to what was going on. The first singer we listened to was a young lady who perched herself on the corner of the stage. I didn’t catch her name but she had a brilliant voice. Does anyone know her name?

Hoole Christmas Lights-Fine Female Solo Singer

I also took some time to listen to Joe Hampton. He entertained with a smattering of Christmas and non Christmas renditions. I liked him. Good singer. Well worth checking him out when he next appears in a Chester venue. Just sorry I didn’t catch the other singers.

Hoole Christmas Lights – Live Local Music

We can’t talk about the local music talent on display without giving a mention to the City Of Chester Training Band. Ideally located at the entrance to Faulkner Street, the band comprising of musical talent from a wide range of ages, set the tone with their Festive renditions. Anyone entering Faulkner Street will have immediately found themselves in the Christmas spirit thanks to the City Of Chester Training Band.

Hoole Christmas Lights-City Of Chester Training Band

Not sure if they all came on pushbikes though. Carrying a trombone on a pushbike would be difficult wouldn’t it?

Market Stalls

As ever there were plenty of stalls offering their products and services. There was a good variety of stalls on display as well. An excellent way to start your Christmas shopping. It was also good to see a fair few of the shops open in Faulkner Street and Charles Street.

All In All

All in all this years Hoole Christmas lights was another great success as far as this visitor is concerned. A great atmosphere in the streets and in the pubs. Although we only went into the Faulkner I managed to speak to others and they confirmed the other pubs were bouncing as well. Plenty sitting outside the Bawn Lodge, which is always a good sign.

I must say I preferred the Hoole Christmas Lights experience more than the city centre one on Thursday. That was mainly because everyone knew what was going on at the Hoole event. The lights were switched on when they were due to be switched on. And, to add to the excitement for the young children, the countdown to the switch on helped to build up the atmosphere. And of course the fine local musical talent also added to the occasion and the atmosphere.

If you have anything you want to say about the Hoole Christmas Lights switch on, then drop me a line.

Was This The Last Hoole Christmas Lights Switch On?

Something that was a bit concerning though was someone we spoke to said that this was to be the last Hoole Christmas Lights switch on. I’m not sure about that. I’ve not heard anything since Sunday. Does anyone know if this is correct or not? If so, it would be a crying shame to see the end of one of Chester’s, not only Hoole’s, much loved annual events. Let me know if you know something either way.

Hopefully, Chester Lifestyle will be reporting on another successful Hoole Christmas Lights switch on next year.

Well done to all the organisers. You did Hoole proud again. Take a bow!!