Christmas is not cancelled

BUT NOT OUT!

Christmas is NOT

cancelled From a drive-in panto to a virtual festive fun run, SHANNON GARNER has found plenty of events to keep our seasonal spirits up

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and even though it may be a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still many things to do to get into the festive spirit.

For panto fans, Liverpool have welcomed quite the selection to pick from and with the lack of productions this year, these shows are anticipated to be popular as people are craving live entertainment.

St Helens Theatre Royal are thrilled to be re-opening their doors just in time for the festive season and will provide you with a safe and festive experience with the family-friendly pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. Christmas pantomimes are a strong tradition for many and theatre manager Chantelle Nolan wants to “offer a sense of familiarity and normality this festive season” with the production still able to go ahead. The timeless classic will be running from December 11 2020 to January 3 2021 and audiences are reassured that the staff will be fully adhering to all restrictions and government guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone.

Tickets start from £14 and are available to book over the phone on 01744 756000 between 10am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. More information can be found on their website on http:// www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

M&S Bank Arena will also host a magical Christmas pantomime later this year. From December 18 to December 27, Jack and the Beanstalk starring Jake Quickenden, Leanne Campbell and comedy favourite Bippo will be running at the Auditorium of the Arena. Still loaded with the usual family fun,

Above: 2019 Liverpool Santa Dash, Photo Credit: Paul Francis Cooper

special measures will be in place due to COVID-19.

Tickets start from £18 to £30. Book your tickets on https://www.mandsbankarena.com/whats-on/jack-andthe-beanstalk/

The Parking Lot Social are bringing a new experience to pantomimes by giving us a drive-in version of Cinderella. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is to host the contact-free socially-distanced event on December 12 and December 13.. The show has all the essential elements of the tale alongside a few twists to make it unique to the new experience. There are plenty of song and dance routines, audience participation and a script that takes light-hearted digs at the challenges the current year has brought upon us all.

Tickets start from £41.46 to £51.66. Live updates, further information and tickets available on https://theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/christmas/liverpool/. The Parking Lot Social also has other events starting from December 9 which are all still going ahead so be sure to check them out.

It is one of the most popular events in the city each year and you may have thought it was cancelled but the Santa Dash is still going ahead!

It’s usually the city’s kick-start to Christmas but with the latest lockdown and restrictions, adaptations have had to be made and the event will now take place virtually on December 20. This year, more than 1,000 Santa’s have registered, some from across the world making it an international event, and they can dash from wherever they are located whilst maintaining social distancing. A postage service has also been introduced when registering so that participants can still get their suits, run number and bespoke medal as the pop-up shop has been postponed until further notice. The profits made are equally split between a good group of charities so get dressed up, get your festive fix and give back to charities whilst having fun. To register or for more information visit https://www. btrliverpool.com

There may not have been any annual light switch on this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t admire the city’s Christmas-themed installations. The city is currently twinkling all around with both previously loved and new light installations that are free!

See the city’s history mixed with Christmas spirit as the Albert Dock is lit up with the return of the sparkling Liver Birds plus characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms, Triton and Neptune who are guarding the docks’ entrance. Other areas to visit are Liverpool ONE, Church Street, Bold Street, Williamson Square and Hope Street but make sure to only visit when it starts to get dark as that’s when you will see the most beautiful views and capture the lights in all their glory.

Be sure to grab tickets for the events that need them whilst you can. There are many festive fun events not mentioned as they have already sold-out. You don’t want to miss out on what’s left of this year.