Gemma Collins, Lemar and Toploader kick off festive season at Southport Festive Fun Day
by Courtney Eales · Liverpool EchoSouthport town centre was bustling today
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Hundreds of people gathered in Southport this afternoon to watch as the annual festive activities got underway to welcome the Christmas season. The Festive Fun Day returned with three celebrity appearances, including former The Only Way is Essex's Gemma Collins.
The Lord Street event took place with local dance groups, character shows and pantomime performances. Special guest appearances from Gemma Collins, Lemar and 'Dancing in the Moonlight' singers Toploader, all entertained the crowds despite the miserable weather.
Speaking ahead of the event, Rachel Fitzgerald, Southport BID CEO said: "We can’t wait to see these big names perform, but this day is as much about celebrating our town and the people that make it special. A big focus of the Festive Fun Day is championing our incredible young people. Fourteen local dance schools are set to perform on stage."
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TV star Gemma Collins took to the stage wearing all black attire, with feathers, as she treated the crowd to some festive hits. The event, which was hosted by Southport performer Kelly Bond, and Alex Toal of Greatest Hits Radio also had festive fairground attractions including face painting and creative workshops for families to enjoy.
The Southport Festive Fun day 2024
Gemma Collins performs at Southport Festive Fun day today
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Gemma Collins treated the crowd to some festive hits
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Large crowd gathered for the Festive Fun Day
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The bad weather didn't dampen the spirits in Southport
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Sienna, aged four
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Lemar was another big name performing for the cheerful crowds
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The Southport Festive Fun day 2024
The show attracted hundreds of spectators who braved the rain
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Fourteen local dance schools performed on stage.
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Crowds at Southport Festive Fun Day
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Nancy Howarth, aged eight
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The Southport Festive Fun day 2024
Lemar initially rose to fame after finishing third on the first series of British talent show Fame Academy in 2002
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The singer went onto release a double-platinum debut album, Dedicated, which contained the singles "Dance (With U)", "50/50" and "Another Day", all of which charted in the UK top 10
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Amy and Chris with Amelia and Emily watching the show
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Dancers on stage
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The Southport Festive Fun day 2024
Nancy Howarth, eight, has her face painted at Southport Festive Fun Day
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Wet weather didn't put people off, as large crowds gathered
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Fairground rides were among the attractions
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Isabella, six, and Poppy, two, with "Elsa and Anna"
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