The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ffff-reezing Forfar lights switch-on draws the crowds.
Townsfolk dig deep to make sure festive sparkle brightens up the streets after council cuts
Forfar is set to sparkle this festive season following the lights switch-on last night.
Members of Forfar Rotary Club and Forfar Action Network hosted the event with the help of Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol.
Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves were also present for the switch-on which was made possible thanks to donations from community groups, businesses, locals and £4,000 from the town’s common good pot.
The switch-on event was the result of months of hard work and fundraising efforts by volunteers.
Responsibility for festive light shows in Angus has largely been taken on by locals after the council cut back its funding.
Forfar Conservative councillor Braden Davy said: “It’s great to see the local community come together to make sure the lights come on this Christmas.
“Local groups, individuals and businesses have done their bit fundraising, organising and donating.
“Groups, individuals and businesses have done their bit fundraising
“It’s down to them that this has happened and it shows the community spirit is well and truly alive in Forfar.
“I’m sure many people would like to thank these unsung heroes for making sure we can all feel a little bit more festive this Christmas period.”
An increasing number of towns and cities in the UK have been forced to raise money to pay for their own Christmas lights.
High Street illuminations are being crowdfunded by communities who have been told their local council can no longer afford to meet the cost.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk