Southampton City Council has announced that Bitterne Park Triangle is one of two new district shopping areas to benefit from festive lights and decorations this year.
• The lights are up, but can you photograph them?
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The other new area where lights have been funded is Lordshill.
It comes after what’s described as “the successful introduction” of festive lights in Bitterne, Shirley, Woolston and Portswood last year, which will all be lit up again.
Kerry Amies, co-owner at Track 21 Interiors on the Triangle said she thinks it’s a first for Bitterne Park – or at least for a very long time.
“It first came about at a traders’ meeting back in the summer, where my husband put forward the idea. I have then championed this to make sure it happened, liaising with the council.
“They have now confirmed that all site surveys have been completed across 15 posts and the install will take place over the next week, with lights being on by November 30”.
She added that there’s no official ‘switch on’ in Bitterne Park, but she will try to let people know when it will be via social channels including We Are Bitterne Park “so that if anyone would like to congregate for it they can!”
The lights should be in place ready for ‘Christmas at the Triangle’ on Saturday, December 14, which runs later this year from 3-6pm. There’s more on this in our previous story here.
Other local festive lighting in Southampton can be found at:
- Bitterne - Bitterne Precinct – switched on over Nov 23 w/e; more info here.
- Shirley - Shirley High Street
- Portswood - Portswood Road – switched on over Nov 23 w/e
- Woolston - Victoria Road – switched on over Nov 23 w/e
- Lordshill – Lordshill District Centre
The following Community Christmas lights switch-on events will be taking place:
- Countdown to Christmas in Bitterne, - Bitterne Precinct, Saturday, November 23, 10am to 6pm, Christmas lights will be switched-on at 5pm. More info here.
- Christmas Light switch-on, Lantern making and Park Fair - Shirley Precinct, Sunday, November 24, midday to 5.30pm, Christmas lights will be switched-on at 5.30pm.
Cllr Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for homes and culture, said: “Southampton has a unique and thriving Christmas offer, from our flying Santa to ice-skating alongside a growing retail offer that attracts over a million visitors to our great city.
“However, it’s important that local communities and our district high streets don’t miss out and can also take advantage of the festive season. I’m looking forward to the light switch on events happening on both sides on the city this coming weekend; bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging and pride, while helping local businesses in the area.”
City centre lights
The city centre lights were switched on November 14, and the Southampton Christmas Market has also returned for another year, which features the unique flying Santa in the ‘skies’ above the precinct.
Previously
Christmas in the Triangle set to return
Support festive toy appeal and make Christmas to remember for city’s children
Christmas market and flying santa set to return