As the festive season approaches in Southampton and excitement builds, a series of family-friendly events organized by GO! Southampton and Visit Southampton is set to launch, in partnership with Brackenwood Windows. The Countdown to Christmas for 2024 is a series of free events in the city over three days to mark the start of the festive season.
In a tie-in with the upcoming release of “Paddington in Peru,” hitting Showcase Cinema Southampton on November 8th, GO! Southampton is offering a unique opportunity for the public to meet the beloved marmalade-loving bear, Paddington. This special event will take place on Saturday, November 16th, and Sunday, November 17th, at Westquay South, opposite Five Guys, from 11 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. Children and adults alike are invited to greet Paddington and capture the moment with a photo or selfie.
To ensure a smooth experience, its a ticketed event with free tickets available in advance. GO! Southampton advises booking early to avoid disappointment, as Paddington is sure to be a popular attraction.
Visitors are also encouraged to check out the new Paddington bench offering another photo opportunity as they make their way into Westquay South. The festivities extend from Friday, November 15th, to Sunday, November 17th, featuring a variety of free family friendly events and entertainment throughout Southampton’s city centre.
The festival promises three days of excitement, with street theatre acts, magicians, and musical performances, designed to offer something for everyone as the city embraces the holiday spirit. Locations hosting these festivities include Bargate, Westquay, Marlands, Oxford Street, Carlton Place, Guildhall Square, and Above Bar Street.
Notably absent from this year’s event locations are Mayflower Park, Ocean Village, and Bedford Place. Southampton business owners, who contribute to the city’s rate levy supporting the GO! Southampton scheme, may feel Go Southampton centres its events around West Quay and Marlands shopping centres which is something the Southampton Times intends to look into further.
Further information on performance times and ticketing can be found on the Visit Southampton website page here
