Sparkling fun at big switch-on
Ariana Grande tribute act The crowd gathers in the city centre Musicians from Raploch’s Big Noise Children and parents join in the fun Stirling’s festive celebrations began on Sunday night as the Christmas lights were switched on at the city’s Winter Festival.
A packed afternoon programme began with the arrival of Santa and his reindeer.
He made his way through the city centre in his sleigh accompanied by five-year-old Alfie Bell, from Fallin, who won a competition for the honour of switching on this year’s lights.
Alfie is the youngest person in the UK to have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and was nominated to switch on the lights by more than 100 people through the contest organised by the Thistles Centre.
Kids had the opportunity to meet and pet Santa’s reindeer outside the Albert Hall earlier in the day.
There was also a‘radio roadshow’ organised by CapitalOne Radio, with presenters on hand to keep the crowd entertained with competitions and giveaways throughout the afternoon.
And the event was capped with a performance from Britain’s Got Talent 2011 winner Jai McDowall.
There were also performances from Ariana Grande tribute act Simply Ariana, singer Tommy McGuire and pupils from Stirling High School. A second stage was set up in Friars Street by music shop Europa Records, showcasing up-and-coming bands and musicians such as Triptych and Devon Rex. Holly McKay and Sara Steel at last Saturday’s lights switch-on