Around ten thousand festive visitors flocked to Victoria Park for Halton Borough Council’s Panto in the Park event. (Oh yes they did!) The main attraction was Cinderella arriving in her very own glass carriage accompanied by Santa himself.
She was welcomed by Mayor Cllr Ged Philbin and Mayoress Rosalin Wong. Members of the panto cast were on hand to help add to the atmosphere and performed ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ from their upcoming show on the bandstand.
They also performed for people in the queue to meet Santa. The rest of the afternoon was filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas.
Amongst the free entertainment activities families queued for the ever popular Santa’s grotto as youngsters eyes lit up in anticipation.
The spectacular glass carriage provided rides around the park and at the same time meet members of the panto cast. Whilst a specially decorated Santa train sped people around adding to a real sense of community celebration. Meanwhile back at the bandstand, young children were carried on donkey rides, whilst Hearts and Voices Community Choir were signing Christmas hits.
There was even the opportunity to have your face painted for the occasion.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Events, Cllr Eddie Jones, said: “The Council organises seasonal activities in order to help create a true festive spirit . “Christmas is a time when communities come together so it is wonderful to see so many local people coming out to participate in and enjoy the atmosphere of this free event .
“So many happy faces and obvious community cohesion makes all of our effort in putting the event together very worthwhile.”
Cinderella runs from 12 December until 15 January at the multi-award winning Halton Borough Council venue. It stars 80s/90s singing sensation Sonia and Miss British Isles, Rebecca Lake.
They join Desperate Scousewife Charlie Griffiths, local theatre star, Andrew Curphey, Romford’s Rikki Stone, a veteran of numerous pantos all over the country and dame Connor Harper, who comes to Runcorn from London, to make his panto debut.
He will play alongside Peter Kosta, who will play the other ugly sister. For several years he was the official life-size Roland Rat, and the Channel Tunnel mascot Marcus Mole.
Prince Charming will be played by actor/model Christopher Pym, originally from Warrington, but working in London after hitting national fame after BBC1’s search for a Joseph, Any Dream Will Do. Ticket Prices are Children £16, Adults £20, Conc. £19, Family Ticket £65 (2 adults, 2 children), Groups 20 plus £17, Schools £10 (One teacher in 25 goes free, no booking fee). Contact 0151 907 8360 and www.thebrindley.org.uk