IT was a milestone celebration in Hoole as festive decorations lit up the Chester suburb once more after 20 years.

The 20th anniversary Hoole Lights were switched on last Saturday (November 23) by Gill Watson, Sheriff of Chester, young people from Live! Cheshire, Father Christmas himself and Rob Amans, aka ‘Mr Fruity’, who helped start the tradition way back in the last century.

On stage, there were performances from local band CH2, Handbag of Harmonies, Chester Male Voice Choir and more with the celebrations continuing on stage past the 6pm switch-on, with everyone partying like it’s still 1999!

This year, local primary schools St Werburgh’s and Hoole Church of England were helped to make lanterns by local artist Russell Kirk that they then paraded along Hoole Road from All Saints Church to Faulkner Street, where the school choirs took to the stage to start off the Christmas-themed music.

Meanwhile in the Community Centre, there were stalls and craft activities for children, Newton Primary School’s amazing art shed, as well as Santa’s Grotto – all helping to raise money to keep the lights on for another 20 years!

Noel McGlinchey, one of the original team still helping to raise money for the lights, explained: "There was originally scepticism whether people would care.

"The initial £10,000 cost of the electrical installations, not to mention the cost of the lights themselves, seemed too much.

"But there was joy and real pride in the community of Hoole as the money began to flow in. There were anguished discussions over where the lights should go and whether there should be an official switch-on.

"But in the end ‘Hooligans’ put on a fantastic ceremony with thousands crowding Faulkner and Charles Streets. It set the pattern for future years."

Twenty years of switching on the lights takes its toll and, in the last couple of years, the volunteers have gradually been replacing the original electrics.

For Bill Smith, who has been involved in the last two years, this has become ‘something of a mission’ which is paying dividends as the display is bigger and better than ever this year.

The lights will be brightening the streets of Hoole every evening until early January.

The team of volunteers works throughout the year to raise funds and plan the event.

New volunteers are always welcome - for more information, visit the group on Facebook or email hoolechristmaslights@outlook.com.