A TOWN CENTRE pub is launching the festive season with a Christmas lights switch-on.
The event will take place at The Royal Alfred pub and hotel in on Bickerstaffe Street, St Helens on Friday, November 20, starting from 7pm.
The Haydock Brass Band will be performing, and attendees can enjoy free hot pot while it lasts.
Live music will follow at 9pm with a performance by Norman Anthony.
The stunning lights display - that wraps around the pub - first went on display last year. It offers a spectacular sight for those arriving or passing by at the nearby St Helens Central station.
A spokesman for The Royal Alfred said: "Come along with your family and friends, enjoy some festive cheer, and help us kick off Christmas in style."
The Royal Alfred recently attracted widespread attention after a soundcheck video featuring Britain's Got Talent finalist Mickey Callisto passed 700,000 views.
Earlier this year, the Star reported how the once-eyesore pub had been brought back to life and has been transformed into one of the town centre's most popular venues.
It was reopened last year, on July 22, 2025, under new ownership and with major investment aimed at returning it to its former glory.
With a blue interior, the pub boasts an interactive darts board and pool table, and the walls are emblazoned with historic St Helens images and memorabilia.
It offers a food menu, alongside a wide selection of drinks, with entertainment including live music events on weekend nights.
The pub is co-owned by Emilia Szpak, who says the support from the pub's loyal customers has helped the venue through early challenges, including road closures caused by the ongoing works on the town centre redevelopment.
Speaking to the Star over the summer, Emilia said: "In a business, the first year is always the hardest and we have overcome everything.
"It was hard to overcome that reputation and we still have customers coming in saying we didn’t know you had reopened.
"The road closure, that’s the hardest thing for us, we constantly hear feedback but there is nothing we can do about it.
"We have the nicest customers base, our customers are just amazing, they are understanding, patient and loyal.
"I couldn’t wish for better customers."
Thirteen staff currently work at the pub, who Emilia commended as hardworking and loyal.
The Alfred also provides accommodation, with business travellers, festival-goers, and those visiting the area for family or medical reasons, among those who stay at the venue, as it benefits from its proximity to St Helens Centra railway station.
Since reopening, the food menu has attracted positive reviews and increasing sales.
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Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand the venue’s offering.
Emilia said: "We are planning to have an outdoor area (on Bickerstaffe Street), we are planning to get permission from the council, I hope that will go through and we will have some tables and chairs outside to create a nice outdoor area for our customers."
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