The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Four-year-old Sam Macdonald met Santa Claus when he attended the Broughty Ferry Christmas lights switchon last night. Thousands braved the cold to enjoy the annual event that signals the start of the festive period in the Ferry. Picture: Kris Miller.
Cold weather does not put people off as they enjoy fun events
Thousands braved the cold last night to cheer the switch-on of Broughty Ferry’s Christmas lights.
Crowds first gathered on Brook Street during the afternoon as furniture store Gillies revealed its annual window display.
This year’s offering features Santa’s reindeer singing It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas in their stables. The event has become a popular annual feature on the festive calendar.
In the evening revellers were treated to a mixture of music and fun with a selection of live performances, attractions, food and drinks.
MC Stuart Webster, from Radio Tay, introduced the Eastern School Choir for a Christmas singalong, as well as Thomson Leng Musical Society with songs from its production of Disney classic Aladdin.
Spice Girls tribute act Spice World were warmly welcomed by the crowd as they performed a selection of the girl group’s greatest hits.
However, even a visit from Santa Claus himself could not upstage the main event of the evening as Broughty Ferry finally lit up with festive cheer.
It was Tayside’s first Christmas lights switch-on and with people from across the region joining in, local retailers opened their doors late to show off what the Ferry has to offer.
Local councillor Craig Duncan said: “It was a really great night. Considering it was a bit cold, it was a really decent attendance.
“I think the credit goes to the Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association, its chairman Steve James and all the others who really are the driving force behind it.
“It’s a real draw and people come from all over. I think the Ferry switch-on feels a bit more homely and yet there is a carnival atmosphere to it. A lot of the local businesses make a point of staying open so it’s just a great event.”
Santa will make another stop-off in Dundee this evening for the city’s official lights switch-on at City Square.
Events begin at 5.30pm with a torchlit procession arriving from the Mcmanus at 6.45pm. There will also be a ceilidh, Santa bus and a silent disco. The lights will be turned on at 6.45pm.