BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Alexandra presses button to light up the town for Christmas
Hundreds of people got into the festive spirt when they flocked to the Christmas switch- on in Ayr on Sunday.
Alexandra McCready had the big moment by lighting up Ayr after winning a competition to fick the switch to mark the countdown to Christmas.
This year Ayr will celebrate its very own ‘ Little Stars’ with a fresh approach for the annual event.
The day began 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 planned throughout the day included the Polar Express, Santa’s Grotto, and Spirits of Christmas characters let loose on High Street.
Little Stars Light Up Ayr were at the Wallace Tower stage, and on the new Newmarket Street stage there was a host of activities on offer for people of every age including a dance extravaganza at Arran Mall.
This year the event was raising money for several local charities as well as the NSPCC ( Scotland) who were partnering this year’s Christmas celebrations.
And the cash will go NSPCC Scotland’s Light Up Christmas for Children campaign which will be raising vital funds for Childline’s 24/ 7 counselling service.
The Light up Christmas for Children ( LUCFC) campaign will highlight the scale and impact of child abuse and neglect, raise awareness of Childline and explain why we need public support and donations to ensure the service can be there for every young person.
River City star Leah MacCrae. who plays the Fairy Godmother in Cinderalla at this year’s panto at the Gaiety Theatre, said: “Christmas should a special time of year for kids but for many it can be a dark and lonely time.
She added “Childline is so important and their work is vital in protecting children.
“That’s why I’m supporting the campaign to help raise awareness and to encourage the public to make a donation which will bring a little light into these children’s lives.
“We need to keep children safe and I would encourage any who are concerned about anything to contact a teacher or an adult who they trust.”
The charity said 1 in 10 children experience sexual abuse but are too afraid to speak out – the money raised will go towards supporting schemes to help them.