'Light Up a Life 2025' - A Heartfelt Celebration of Loved Ones

ST Joseph's Hospice is proud to have celebrated the much loved:- 'Light up a Life' celebration for 2025, once again kindly sponsored by Barrington's Funeral Directors. This cherished annual event gives our community the opportunity to come together to remember loved ones and celebrate their lives, while helping to raise vital funds for Hospice care.

By making a Light up a Life dedication in memory of someone special, supporters are not only honouring a loved one's memory but also helping St Joseph's Hospice continue its compassionate work supporting patients and families across our community.

Clare Waller, Clinical Director at St. Joseph's Hospice, said:- "Light up a Life is a truly special occasion, a heartfelt moment for families to come together, remember their loved ones, and mark the beginning of the festive season here at the Hospice. We're delighted to welcome everyone into our woodland gardens for the service and to share the moment our beautiful Christmas tree is illuminated. We'd also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has dedicated a light or made a donation. Your generosity directly supports the nursing care we provide here at the Hospice. We'd also like to say a very big thank you to Barringtons Funeral Services who have generously supported the Hospice by sponsoring this event."

For the 1st time, supporters can also take part online, with the launch of our Virtual Christmas Tree. This new digital feature allows you to dedicate a light to a loved one, make a donation, and leave a personal message of dedication on our Online Dedication Page.

These heartfelt messages can be shared with friends and family across the country; and even further afield; offering a meaningful way to connect, remember, and support the Hospice's work wherever you are.

Sean Keyes, Chief Executive of Sutcliffe in Liverpool, whose Father was a patient at St Joseph's Hospice said:- "When the family knew our Dad was coming to St Joseph's it came as a huge relief, the end of anyone's life is of course a sad time, but the help, support and comfort from St Joseph's was incredible, it also made such a difference that all the staff were so positive, that made a massive difference, and when our Dad did pass, we as a family were able to have some time together sitting in the wonderful grounds, talking and laughing as we remembered Dad's life"

Light up a Life is a time for reflection, love, and community. Every light dedicated represents the life of someone deeply missed and dearly remembered, shining brightly in celebration of the memories we hold close.

Sleigh your holiday season with these 9 festive events across Southport

THERE'S snow place like Southport this Christmas as there is a whole array of festive events for all the family to enjoy. Children can spend the season with Santa; from joining him and his elves for breakfast, sail a boat to his island, to visiting an immersive light trail at Santa's Secret Forest. There are also classic Christmas movies, parties, quizzes, and much more to keep the adults busy.

Visit Southport gives you a rundown of just some of the many events coming your way this festive season... 

1. Explore Santa's Secret Forest is open until:- 24 December 2025. If you go down to the woods this Christmas, you're sure for a festive surprise! Santa's Secret Forest will be taking place in:- Orrel Hill Woods, Hightown, bringing a cutting edge, high tech Christmas wonderland with 40 acres of woodland containing a stunning light trail and Santa's Christmas Hub. This is a first of its kind interactive walkthrough experience through 10 immersive rooms like the Toy Workshop, the Magic Elevator and Santa's Sleigh Garage, with a miniature train and 4D VR sleigh ride also available as well as a meet and greet with the big man himself.  Read more:- SantasSecretForest.Co.UK.

2. Have a festive party with friends and family at The Grand, runs until:- 31 December 2025. Christmas is always party season and there's lots of chances for a great evening out in Southport. At The Grand there are a series of fun celebrations for all ages, including:- lively evenings like Diva Fiesta, the Christmas Caribbean Party Night and the Royal Ball. Read more:- TheGrand.Co.UK.

3. Sail to Santa's Island, runs until:- 23 December 2025. WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre are offering the chance to Sail to Santa, where you can hop on board a boat and travel to Santa's island to meet him as well as doing festive crafts in the Elves' workshop. Read more:- WWT.Org.UK.

4. Have breakfast, brunch and lunch with Santa, runs until:- 23 December 2025. Meeting Santa is the highlight of the festive season for most kids and there's several opportunities for you to make that dream come true in Southport. Join Santa and his Elves for breakfast at Silcocks where you'll have the chance to take a selfie with Santa on his carousel horse (PS. Don't forget to ask him for a Christmas gift!) Read more:- Silcock-Leisure.Co.UK. If breakfast isn't your thing, you could have brunch with jolly old St Nick at Hickory's Southport, on:- Saturday, 13 December 2025, between:- 10 and 2. There will be jingle juice and Santa's slush for all children with a Santa pass, festive movies in the movie room, tabletop games and activities, and a Santa pancake special. Read more:- Hickorys.Co,UK. Don't miss the Magical Frozen Lunch, at The Vincent Hotel, on:- Sunday, 14 December 2025. Join Elsa, JJ the elf and of course Santa for lots of fun, games and laughter. Prizes are on offer for the best dressed Frozen character and a gift for every child. Read more:- TheVincentHotel.Com.

5. It's not Panto Season, surely? Oh yes it is! A family Christmas just would not be the same without a trip to the panto and there's 2 great shows running in Southport this year for fans of shouting:- "It's behind you!." There's a tale as old as time at The Atkinson, where Beauty and the Beast will be showing until New Year's Eve, starring Safia Bartley as Bella with panto veteran Terry Burns as Dame Bon Bon. Read more:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK… The Grand welcomes Dick Whittington and his cat for a magical pantomime packed with catchy songs, dazzling costumes and lots of audience participation. Read more:- TheGrand.Co.UK.

6. Sing Along to Christmas carols at Vintage Tea Room on:- 12 December 2025. Step inside the Vintage Tea Room, where the scent of mulled wine and freshly baked treats fills the air. The glow of fairy lights, the clink of teacups, and the gentle buzz of friendly chatter create the perfect backdrop for an evening of warmth and nostalgia. The Christmas tree is up, the mistletoe is hung, and the lights are twinkling; but it wouldn't be Christmas without a few carols to sing along to! So come along, get yourself a drink at the bar, enjoy some delicious food, and enjoy a twinkling festive atmosphere with an evening of acapella Christmas tunes with the Wayfarers Chorus. Read on:- Facebook.

7. Join a Festive Fizz Workshop at Southport Market, on:- 12 December 2025. Step into the holiday spirit with a creative sparkling workshop where you'll paint your very own Prosecco bottle and flute with all materials provided. Enjoy a cozy, cheerful atmosphere filled with festive tunes, twinkling lights, and plenty of creative magic! Read more:- SouthportMarket.Com.

8. Celebrate Christmas and New Year at The Waterfront Southport Hotel... Runs until:- 20 December, step into a sparkling evening under the stars, set against the twinkling backdrop of Marine Lake at the Waterfront's:- 'A Night Under the Stars' Christmas Party. Expect a mouth watering 3 course festive feast, live entertainment and a DJ spinning your favourite party songs to keep the dancefloor alive all night long. Read more: WaterfrontSouthportHotel.Co.UK. You can also ring in the New Year at The Waterfront Southport Hotel's Gala Dinner which promises an unforgettable evening of sumptuous cuisine, elegant ambiance, and live music by the talented Mark Kenny. Read more:- WeAreGifted.Co.UK.

9. Watch Home Alone and more Christmas classics at Southport Bijou Cinema... There's more vintage festive fun at the Bijou Cinema, where you can enjoy classic Christmas movies like:- Meet Me in St Louis, Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop's Wife, It's a Wonderful Life and The Shop Around the Corner as well as more modern favourites like:- Elf, Home Alone, Gremlins and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Read more:- SouthportBijouCinema.Co.UK.

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