Blair gears up for switch-on
Festive entertainment in the Wellmeadow
Preparations are well under way for the official switchon of Blairgowrie and Rattray’s Christmas lights on Saturday.
Entertainment at the Wellmeadow – including fundraising stalls from a range of local community groups and organisations such as Blairgowrie Girl Guides and several schools, many of which will feature refreshments – gets underway at 2pm.
There will be performances by the Rattray Marching Junior Drum Corps, the Happy Feet dance group and Perthshire Brass throughout the afternoon.
The lights at Rattray will be switched on at the cross at 3pm and Blairgowrie, Rattray and Disctrict Pipe Band and Santa in his sleigh will lead a parade from Rattray School from 3.15pm, down to the Wellmeadow.
Santa will then be in attendance in his grotto in the Wellmeadow from 3.30-5pm.
The lights in Blairgowrie will be switched on at 4pm by Citizen of the Year, Lisa Hilditch and the entertainment will continue with singing by pupils from Rattray and Newhill primary schools.
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers said: “I am really looking forward to the Blairgowrie and Rattray Christmas lights switch-on this Saturday.
“As well as stalls from a number of local community-based children’s organisations, Santa will be there and there is some great entertainment lined up.
“The event provides a great opportunity for people to shop locally and spend time in the town enjoying local entertainment.
“This is all put together and funded by the generosity of local businesses and individuals and any help or support we can give them is very much appreciated.”
Volunteers from the Blairgowrie and Rattray Illuminations Committee put up the last of the lights at the weekend.
They also ran a hamper raffle in Tesco on Saturday as part of their fundraising efforts. The raffle raised £416 and the winner was Edith Mason from Blairgowrie.
Organisers thanked everyone who donated raffle prizes, the committee members and volunteers who ran the raffle, and Tesco for hosting the raffle.
There is some great entertainment lined up