Christmas Tree arrives outside The Atkinson in Southport. There will be no switch on event this year

Southport's Christmas tree has arrived this morning. The tree is in sections and will be bolted together ready to be turned on.

Sadly this year there is no Christmas lights switch on event.

This years Southport Christmas lights switch on will be replaced by "a number of interactive activities including a beautiful Santa’s Grotto – and a brand new Frozen themed Grotto too!

For the first time, families will be able to explore the town centre through an eye-catching Gingerbread Trail, and visit the UK’s first Digital Christmas Experience at Marble Place.

And look out for brand new must-see additions such as the ‘Trail of Trees’ and the Christmas Sleigh.

Over the past few years Lord Street has been closed and a huge TV screen and stage erected with entertainment provided. Stars such as East 17, Peter Andre and the Drifters have appeared.

The BID commented that "The levy payers do not wish to fund ‘switch on’ events."

The BID is funded by businesses and we deliver activities which deliver the best return on investment for them. Although the switch on is a nice event, its extremely expensive and does not deliver any benefits to the levy payers.