George Square lights up
Thousands pack out city’s George Square for Christmas lights switch-on
THE countdown to Christmas is officially on and Glasgow is more than ready to celebrate.
Thousands donned their warmest woollies and packed out George Square to enjoy the festivities and annual festive lights switch-on.
DJ George Bowie and Cassi warmed up the crowd with a selection of Christmas hits before being joined on stage by a very enthusiastic Santa.
Wind delayed the big reveal for 30 minutes but did little to dampen excitement among the crowd.
The Michaels from Glasgow’s East End were ecstatic to have finally got their hands on tickets.
Jenna, 25, said: “We all applied in the hopes of getting tickets.
“We’ve applied every year since it became ticketed but this is the first year we’ve got in so we’re all very excited.”
John Campbell and his five-year-old son had been at the square soaking up the atmosphere since around 5pm.
He added: “The wee one loves it. It’s really for them.
“The lights switch-on always means that Christmas is not long away so his excitement has definitely peaked.”
Ticket holders were treated to a 10-minute firework display which lit up the skies above Glasgow City Chambers.
Cheers from the crowd marked the end of another massive lights switch-on event and the beginning of the countdown to Christmas.
The lights will be on in George Square until early in the New Year. A traditional Christmas Market opens in George Square on November 25. Another market in St Enoch Square has already opened up to visitors.
The Style Mile Carnival returns to Glasgow on November 25, Baby’s First Christmas is on December 8.
The Blessing of the Crib takes place on December 5 and the Santa Dash is on December 9.
Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Eva Bolander, said: “Demand for tickets for the Christmas Lights switch-on has, once again, been very strong.
“We know with every successful application, others will have been disappointed.
“If you haven’t, we’ve still plenty for you to enjoy and take part in as we countdown towards Christmas. “We’re looking forward to welcoming you.”