Vandals target nutcracker trail just days after launch

25th November 2020
The 'Sir Tom' Nutcracker named after Captain Sir Tom Moore, outside Deli Volare on Lord Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

Southport BID is replacing names on the Southport Nutcrackers which have unfortunately been removed by vandals. 

Five of the 12 statues in Southport were targeted. 

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “It is sad to see that anyone would vandalise our Southport Nutcrackers, which are here to bring some Christmas cheer to families and to Southport town centre.

“Stickers with names of the Nutcrackers were removed. We have ordered some replacements which will be in place by the weekend. 

“In the meantime, people can still enjoy the Nutcracker Trail around Southport, and can still enter our competition to win an iPad Mini. 

“Please just write ‘no name’ for those missing and submit all your entries via our special postbox outside Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street. 
“We have been in discussion with Merseyside Police about looking to provide more officers and more support for Southport town centre when the national lockdown ends on December 2 and more businesses are allowed to reopen.”

Twelve 6ft tall Nutcrackers, which celebrate the magic of Christmas, are currently located at various positions around Southport town centre. 

They are being provided by Southport BID which is inviting local families to have fun by completing this year’s Southport Nutcracker Trail. 

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: ““During the November lockdown we want families to be able to enjoy their exercise by trying to spot all 12 Nutcrackers in a safe and socially distanced way. 

“If the current restrictions are lifted in December then the Nutcracker Trail will be a good way of encouraging people to come and enjoy their Christmas shopping and meals out in town. 

“We would love to see your selfies with the Nutcrackers, or your photos of them!

“Please share your pictures on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and include the hashtag #southportnutcrackers and we will offer a prize of a £50 Southport Gift Card for the best one while we have an iPad Mini for someone who completes the Southport Nutcracker Trail.”

Local people have taken part in a competition this year to name this year’s 12 Nutcrackers. 

You can spot them by taking part in the Southport Nutcracker Trail, which you can download here: 

https://bit.ly/2UvdKFF

Write the names of the 12 Nutcracker Kings that you will find located around the town.

When you have got them all, please fill in your details and post it into Santa’s Postbox, which is located outside Wayfarer’s Arcade on Lord Street.

Alternatively you can email your completed trail sheet along with your name and contact details to info@southportbid.com

There will be an iPad Mini for one lucky winner completing the trail.