A Magical Christmas Parade Lights Up Sefton in Memory of Elsie

Southport was a dazzling spectacle this evening as the annual Truck Run wowed crowds with its incredible display of brightly lit trucks, tractors, and wagons. The festive vehicles, adorned with sparkling lights and creative decorations, made their way through the town, captivating the hundreds of people who lined the streets to watch.

Starting at 4 pm from Warren Farm in Formby, the convoy wound its way through Ainsdale village, Southport Old Road, Liverpool Road, and Waterloo Road before heading through Southport town centre. The vehicles brought smiles and cheers as they traveled down Lord Street and the Promenade, creating a magical atmosphere. The parade ended at Ocean Plaza, where families gathered to admire the vehicles up close and take in the festive spirit.

Watch the whole video here…

This year’s Truck Run was about more than just Christmas cheer. It carried a deeply emotional purpose, raising funds for Elsie’s Story, a charitable trust established in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe, one of the victims of the devastating Southport attack earlier this year. Elsie, just seven years old, was tragically killed alongside Bebe King, 6, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Eight other children and two adults were also injured in the attack.

Elsie’s parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, created the trust to honor their daughter’s legacy and support young people and community projects. They shared:

“Elsie’s Story is a way to ensure our daughter’s death is not in vain. The trust will provide grants to causes that help others, from medical care and community projects to initiatives that spread joy and bring people together.”

The event’s organisers expressed their gratitude to all who participated and donated, both through a GoFundMe campaign and collection buckets placed along the parade route. In a message shared on social media, they wrote:

“This year’s Christmas Parade was about more than festive lights; it was about celebrating the love and kindness that Elsie brought to the world. Every donation will go to Elsie’s Story, supporting causes that reflect her beautiful spirit.”

The Southport Truck Run once again showcased the town’s strong sense of community, bringing people together in a dazzling celebration of light, hope, and remembrance.