November 5, 2012 (Powerhomebiz.com) Liverpool ONE, a large shopping and leisure destination in the heart of Liverpool, will be breaking from tradition and hosting a one-night-only festive spectacular with musical performances, entertainment, live ice sculpture and even real penguins to launch Christmas in the city.
On Wednesday 7 November from 3-8pm, Liverpool ONE and surrounding areas will come alive and visitors should expect the unexpected where even the rooftops, balconies and bridges will host a showcase of yuletide cheer.
Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “This year we want to give our visitors something different from the traditional light switch-on. Liverpool ONE will once again display magnificent festive lighting and seasonal decorations, but won’t be launching Christmas with the traditional ‘button push.’ Instead we are proud to stage ‘All That Sparkles’, providing the perfect start to the festive season in a way that will appeal to all visitors, both young and old. From traditional choirs to the UK’s first pop-up ice bar, there is something to get everyone into the Christmas mood.”
On Chavasse Park, visitors can also enjoy #IceFestival for the first time, which is the UK’s biggest-ever group of real ice attractions in one place, including the UK’s largest real Ice Slide and the UK’s first ever pop-up real Ice Bar.
Throughout Liverpool ONE and neighbouring Church Street, the Liverpool Lantern Company will lead a parade of giant lanterns with Santa and his Reindeer. Meanwhile, illuminated stilt walkers will add a touch of wonder to an already magical evening, welcoming guests.
All That Sparkles will also play host to many of Liverpool’s pantomime stars. Sonia from Epstein Theatre’s Cinderella, David Gest from the Royal Court’s A Nightmare on Lime Street and Coleen Nolan from Liverpool Empire Theatre’s Cinderella will make guest appearances throughout the evening.
Merseyside acts will be singing from the rooftops with performances from Olivia Archbold, who has starred in Britain’s Got Talent, to Harriet Jane, who made it to this year’s X Factor boot camp. Lucie Evans, a 19 year-old up and coming pop star from Warrington, will also be performing.
Local choirs will bring a touch of tradition to the occasion as they perform throughout Liverpool ONE. Choirs including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Merchant Taylors’ School Choir, Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir and Liverpool Chamber Choir will be performing well-known Christmas carols, providing the perfect accompaniment to a crisp winter night.
All That Sparkles is not a ticketed event and all are welcome.
Tickets for #IceFestival are available on Ticket Master www.ticketmaster.co.uk/icefestival (booking fees apply) and from an onsite box office open from 7 November.
www.liverpool-one.com
About Liverpool ONE:
Liverpool ONE was recently awarded best Large Visitor Attraction at the Liverpool City Region Annual Tourism Awards 2012 for its offer and commitment to the delivery of a world class visitor experience.
Liverpool ONE is one of Europe’s leading retail and leisure destinations, set in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. Built around the existing streets of Liverpool, the 1.65million sq. ft. contemporary open-air complex is a stylish must-visit for those who love to shop, eat, drink and relax.
Liverpool ONE includes over 160 stores, bars and restaurants, a fantastic 14 screen cinema, an indoor adventure golf course and a five-acre park. Stores include high street favourites such as Topshop, John Lewis and Debenhams.
Peter’s Lane, Liverpool ONE’s designer fashion hub, is the home of big brand style. It plays host to stores including Jaeger, Whistles, Reiss, Hobbs, Jigsaw, Karen Millen and Flannels. It is also home to the new concept House of Fraser.com store and will welcome Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols this autumn. The boutique arcade is nestled perfectly within Liverpool ONE, neighbouring other big high street brands.
The Ice Box
The Ice Box has been involved in creating and producing live events, specialising in ice related installations, ice rinks and festivals for over 19 years. They are also one of the world’s leading ice sculpture and ice installation specialists having created several Ice houses, life-size ice cars and thousands of ice features and ice branding displays, throughout the UK, in Europe and as far away as Dubai, India and Canada. Their creative team of specialist artists and ice experts are bringing their skills to Liverpool ONE to create the fantastic Ice Festival, with the UK’s first pop-up Ice bar and an Ice Gallery with Santa’s Grotto.