Let there be lights
The countdown to the switch- on of the Christmas lights in Ayr is now well and truly underway with just days to go until the big event on Sunday.
This year Ayr will celebrate its very own ‘ Little Stars’ with a brand new approach for the annual Christmas switch- on.
Following a competition to find a young person who loves the festive season, the new ‘ Little Stars Light Up Ayr’ event will see the winner flick the switch to kick- start the official countdown to Christmas.
The day begins at noon with Santa, his reindeers and an array of Christmas characters arriving at the Fish Cross before making their way up High Street.
Events are planned throughout the day including the Polar Express, Santa’s Grotto, and Spirits of Christmas characters let loose on High Street.
Little Stars Light Up Ayr will be at the Wallace Tower stage, and on the new Newmarket Street stage there will be a host of activities on offer for people of every age including a dance extravaganza at Arran Mall.
This year the event will be raising money for several local charities as well as the NSPCC ( Scotland). Paul Cockram, Head of NSPCC Fundraising said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Ayr’s Christmas celebrations as we try to make sure more children and young people have a safe and happy Christmas. We’d like to thank local businesses and individuals for their fantastic support.”
Councillor Brian McGinley, head of Tourism and Leisure, said: “Every year thousands of people flock to Ayr to see the entertainment and with young people taking centre stage I think we’re in for an extra special celebration.”
The grand finale comes at 5pm when the cast of Ayr Gaiety’s Cinderella panto will join the winner of the competition for a Christmas sing- along before the countdown to the lights being switched on.
It’s not too late to become involved. If you want to help raise money contact nicole. drummond@ south- ayrshire. gov. uk