It’s not my usual Friday night outing
Liverpool Cathedral viewed from its grounds(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Stepping into Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on a week day that isn’t Sunday, I couldn’t help but feel like a villain. I swapped my usual Friday night activity of people watching in whatever dive bar in the city centre has the heat up the highest to go and explore a Liverpool Christmas tradition loved by thousands.
I figured since it had the stamp of approval from so many, I could skip my weekly ice-cold pint of Magners to see what all the fuss was about. I am, of course, referring to the annual show that takes over the Anglican Cathedral.
This year, The Light Before Christmas, has returned with a new theme. From Friday, November 28 to Saturday, December 6, guests are being invited to “witness the magic come to life” through a new series of projection artworks: The Gift – a celebration of “warmth, wonder and the joy of togetherness”.
It’s fair to say the event delivers on its promises. Stepping into the historic landmark, you could get lost in there for up to an hour. As someone who gets overstimulated extremely easily, I found it soothing, and with a handful of beanbags at my disposal, it was a comfortable watch.
The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral.
The beloved tradition illuminates the cathedral, taking you on a journey punctuated by stunning projections and mesmerising soundscapes.
With dark and deep colours used, I was waiting for The Emperor’s New Groove’s Yzma to pop her head out from behind the dazzling white tree and shout her iconic catchphrase – “Pull the lever.” In case there was any confusion, I would then take on the role of Kronk on this occasion.
The show is on a continuous loop, meaning you can pop in and out as you please. To break up the experience, we headed to the Welsford Bistro to sample the Christmas market-inspired menu.
Perfect for those cosy winter nights, we – a table of two – ended up with a wild boar hot dog, a mint hot chocolate, seasoned fries and a chilli jacket potato. In total, this costs £24. Each item was stacked with toppings, giving Moel Famau a run for its money.
Our food from the Welsford Bistro
The food arrived within not even three minutes. So quick it almost left me flustered, I hadn’t even taken my coat off or taken in the surroundings. It was impressive to say the least. The hot chocolate was easily the star of the show. It had a slightly sweet taste that kept luring you in for more.
Hoovering the meal over, we then headed to the gift shop. We walked away with two Christmas items that are easily double, or dare I say it, triple, the price elsewhere. The first being a £2.50 glass angel for the tree and the second being a £12.99 t-light holder that outlines the city’s skyline.
The show is continuing for another few days. Visitors are invited to pause and connect, not only with the architecture and festive spirit, but also with their loved ones and those less fortunate, embracing the true essence of this year’s theme.
Peter Walker, sculptor and creative director of Luxmuralis, said: “This marks our fourth year returning to Liverpool Cathedral, and it has truly become a highlight of our calendar.
The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral.
“Our partnership allows us to push boundaries, creating what has become one of the world’s largest immersive experiences.
“The joy on families’ faces when they see the show is one of the most rewarding moments for me, and it’s now an essential part of my own Christmas tradition. I’m thrilled to see Light Before Christmas return this year.”
Designed by the world-renowned Luxmuralis team, this year’s theme has been carefully chosen to reflect several elements: the gift of peace, the gift of Christmas, and how the Cathedral was gifted to the city by the same people who built it.
For this reason, Light Before Christmas promises to be a magical, family-friendly experience for both young and old alike.