Treemendous Dundee switch-on

I WAS one of the thousands of people in Dundee city centre on Friday for Light Nights — and what a delight it was.

There were carnival rides at Cowgate and Murraygate and giant blue balls on Castle Street — unusual but fun! I loved everything.

We lit a candle at the wishing wall at The Shore. This was free and very beautiful.

We had a wee wander around the stalls at Slessor Gardens, made a wish with the “angel” on stilts and her glitter, visited the wooden Dundee Pavilion — what a lovely space that is. The walls are lined with tree trunk cuttings from Templeton Woods. The effect is stunning.

From there we headed to the City Square for the big switch-on, watched the lantern and torchlight parade — these looked wonderful all gathered on the steps of the Caird Hall.

After the lights came on there was a surprise snow-effect — thousands of bits of white paper were shot up in the air and dropped on the crowd. It looked like snow and thrilled the kids.

We then went to the Howff for the Luminous Birds exhibit. Hundreds of origami birds in a music and light display. Set in the darkness of the graveyard it was magical.

Next was a wee play with the light effects at the Old Steeple. People could influence what lit up — from only one face of the tower to shapes and colours swirling about over it. The dramatic music added to the overall brilliant effect.

Impressed.