New life breathed into Santa’s Sparkle

A committee that aims to re-establish the Santa’s Sparkle event has come a step closer with its plans to continue with the annual festival in Lamlash after two successful meetings yielded a willingness to host it as a community-organised and -run event.

Following on from its public meetings, a committee of volunteers has been set up to help co-ordinate and organise the many people who have volunteered.

On Saturday November 25 the committee hopes to be able to run a full programme of events for all ages, starting with the arrival of Santa around noon, through to a ceilidh after the tree-lighting and possibly a fireworks show after nightfall. It also envisages a marquee full of market stalls and to be able to have activities for children under cover should the weather not be favourable.

The committee is still seeking people and organisations for a whole host of things, from organising and running events during the day to picking up litter the day after. As the cost of putting on such an event is not inconsiderable, the committee will approach local businesses and grantgiving organisations for help with funding, but organisers say that donations from anywhere will be more than welcome. The website will also have a facility for donations.

A spokeswoman for the committee said: ‘We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to be involved in this year’s Santa’s Sparkle, particularly those who would be interested in organising an event or performance on the day.’

A new Facebook page has been set up at www. facebook.com/groups/ 167895513704883/ as a forum for ideas and information, and a website will shortly be set up too.