Town celebrates Christmas and community

Town celebrates Christmas and community

How Huyton Village went from having the worse Christmas tree to a huge Christmas light switch on.

Huyton Village went from being mocked for the ‘worst Christmas tree of the year’ (over many years) to 2,500+ people turning out for a Christmas light switch-on, When we frequently hear ‘there’s no shops, there’s nothing in [place] worth visiting for, I can buy it online’ is too simplistic. People still want a human connection but it comes in different formats than how we used to shop and the events in the build up to Christmas in Huyton show that.

Christmas lights and celebrations are becoming increasingly difficult for councils to support due to budget pressures meaning that in places like Huyton, there has to be a different approach to raising money, engaging businesses and ensuring people turn-up.

Huyton Village, in Knowsley, near Liverpool provides a functional town centre offer with a wide ranging hospitality offer and evening economy. Despite this, footfall has been declining in line with national trends and there are concerns that, once a major redevelopment project starts, this will decline further.

Working with oneday in Huyton, we saw the results of bringing people to together and strengthening community.

Back in October, a concept was developed for Christmas in the village. Conversations took place regularly with business owners to get them onboard while there was a local call out to community groups to get involved, led by a local resident and business owner who had a great contact list. A marketing campaign ran across social media and a business WhatsApp group kept everyone up to date with the plans.

The objectives were to:

  • bring the community together and celebrate Christmas
  • strengthen relationships: Develop meaningful partnerships between local businesses and residents
  • create vibrancy: Add life and energy to the village through engaging, inclusive activities
  • to provide new reasons to visit Huyton and drive trade for businesses

Who took part

Over 30 local groups
22 local businesses
3 local choirs
3 local kids dance groups
3 charities

In November, a stage was set-up, a Christmas tree erected and lights through the village. The four hour event brought Christmas to life with live singing, dancing, entertainers and even a visit from Mr & Mrs. Claus. The event brought over 2,500 people to Huyton Village and attracted a multi-generational crowd, from young kids to grandparents.

The team found that people wanted to use and support the Village and stay local. If they knew about things that were happening, they were keen to support them.

The project was led by the oneday team who operate nearby Bowring Park and Golf Course and Huyton popup shop Village Green with town centre activation consultancy from The Assembly Line.