Christmas markets returning to St Helens and Earlestown

St Helens Council has announced the return of the popular Independent Street Artisan Market, which will take place in both St Helens and Earlestown as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations.

The events will feature festive entertainment, family activities, and a wide selection of artisan stalls to support local businesses and bring the community together.

Councillor Stephen Claybrook, cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage at St Helens Borough Council, said: "Christmas is always a special time of year in our borough, bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate and enjoy everything our town centres have to offer.

"We're delighted to once again be working with Independent Street to bring these fantastic festive events to St Helens and Earlestown.

"The artisan markets have proved incredibly popular throughout the year, showcasing talented traders and helping to attract more people into our town centres.

"Earlestown's proud heritage as a market town makes it an ideal home for the artisan market, which will add even more character and festive atmosphere to the event while supporting independent businesses.

"With live entertainment, family activities, festive food and drink, and of course visits from Father Christmas himself, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to join us in celebrating the start of the festive season."

Events will begin in St Helens town centre on Saturday, November 21, running from 10am to 6pm in Church Square.

The day will feature the Independent Street Artisan Market, real reindeer, and a free screening of Stick Man at Lucem House Community Cinema Plus at 2pm.

Families can enjoy arts and crafts at St Helens Minster and appearances from the Grinch and Cindy Lou.

Entertainment will include performances from brass bands such as Valley Brass, Clock Face Brass Band, and St Helens Youth Brass Band, as well as stage acts including Saints Angels and Buzz Hub.

The event will come to a close with Father Christmas switching on the Christmas tree lights alongside the Mayor of St Helens Borough, Councillor Stephen Little.

Earlestown will host its own festive celebration the following weekend on Saturday, November 28, from 10am to 5pm.

As a historic market town, Earlestown is described as the “perfect setting” for the Independent Street Artisan Market, featuring independent traders offering unique gifts, food, and seasonal treats.

Due to ongoing regeneration works, the event space has been reduced, but the programme will still include family craft activities, performances from brass bands and choirs, and visits from Father Christmas, elves, and candy canes.

Lisa Cowley, director of Independent Street, said: "We have absolutely loved working with St Helens Borough Council this year.

"The team has been incredibly supportive, enthusiastic and genuinely passionate about bringing exciting events into both town centres.

"The response to our St Helens Artisan Market has been phenomenal.

"Since launching earlier this year, the market has gone from strength to strength, with fantastic visitor numbers, wonderful feedback from the public and consistently high demand for our market pitches.

"It's been brilliant to see so many people coming into the town centre to shop, socialise and support small businesses.

"Christmas is such a magical time for our town centres, and we're thrilled to be part of events in both St Helens and Earlestown."

This year’s Christmas trees have been sponsored by town centre regeneration contractors VINCI in St Helens and Eric Wright in Earlestown.

To accommodate the Earlestown Christmas event, the weekly flea market will be held on Sunday, November 29, creating a full weekend of market activity from Friday through to Sunday.