The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ceilidhs, family shows, Santa and an ice rink: Fife has it all
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as lights twinkle all over the Kingdom and families and businesses get geared up for a busy festive season.
Dunfermline held an a day-long event on November 18 which culminated in a colourful parade and Santa switching on the lights.
Meanwhile, Cupar held a day-long event on November 25 to mark the lights going on with a market in the Corn Exchange from 10am.
Kirkcaldy also had its lantern parade on November 25 with fireworks and lights.
In Glenrothes, the Kingdom Shopping Centre hosted Glenrothes Amateur Musical Association’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, on November 26.
The show incorporated the lights switch-on into the performance.
The festivities continue tonight when St Andrews celebrates the coming of the season with a light switch-on on South Street.
There will be carols from the school choir of St Leonards and the illuminations will be displayed around 6.30pm followed by Beating the Retreat music from the City of St Andrews Pipe Band by Holy Trinity Church.
Then tomorrow the town will mark St Andrew’s Day with a series of celebrations to honour the nation’s patron saint.
There will be a circus skills workshop and family lantern-making workshops in the Town Hall to help prepare for the procession later in the day.
There is also a Christmas market with live music, mulled wine, festive holiday craft stalls, a special appearance by Santa Claus and food trucks from all over Fife.
The world’s largest street ceilidh is also back by popular demand, hosted by comedian Susan Morrison.
Everyone can take part, no matter your age, and whether you’re an experienced dancer, a beginner or have never tried before.
In keeping with old traditions, there will be lots of dancing, laughing and fun taking place at the Westport end of South Street.
The ceilidh will run from 6-7pm and will be followed by a lantern procession to the harbour led by the City of St Andrews Pipe Band, which culminates in a theatrical re-enactment of the fable of Regulus bringing St Andrew’s bones to the shores of what would become St Andrews.
The re-enactment will be followed by a magnificent fireworks display from the harbour wall.
In the East Neuk, the Christmas Bowhouse Food Weekend on December 9 and 10 will be a celebration of local food, drink and crafts.
The huge food and drink hub just outside St Monans is looking forward to its first festive event which will include live music, a dedicated street food area, food and craft demonstrations, children’s activities and some of Scotland’s best food and drink producers, all in a covered market area.
The festive season is the perfect time to head to the theatre to see a family show and there is no shortage of great productions in Fife this year.
The Byre in St Andrews is presenting a production of Beauty and the Beast until December 31.
This year’s family pantomime features a returning cast including Robert Elkin, Stephanie McGregor and, in the role of Bunty Bahookie, St Andrews’ favourite dame Alan Steele.
As with previous years, the professional cast will be supported in style by the youngsters of the Byre Youth Theatre.
Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Theatre is
again collaborating with Imagine Theatre to present Aladdin from December 9-24.
Many familiar faces will return, including Gordon Brandie as Wishee Washee and Kim Shepherd taking on the roles of So Shi and Sprit of the Ring. Aladdin will be played by Matthew Tomlinson.
At the Alhambra in Dunfermline from December 8 to January 27, seasoned pantomime dame Billy Mack is returning to the Canmore Street theatre to take on the role of Nigella Trottalot in Jack and the Beanstalk.
The show is being transported to the Wild West and Billy, who lives in Stirling, promises that he’ll be modelling a range of impressive costumes.
“This has always been a good time of year for me: being able to finance Christmas – and get out of doing the Christmas shopping!” says Billy, who is busy rehearsing for this year’s show.
“It’s all about audience participation. For me, that’s what I love about pantomime – we break down that fourth wall.”
Billy also warns he is going to be on the lookout for potential male audience members on which to place a few lipstick-encrusted smackers during the pantomime’s run.
“They pretend to squirm, but I think they enjoy it actually!”
Living on a ranch with her sons Jack (Craig McDougall) and Silly Billy (Alan Orr), Nigella is supporting her family through hard times by selling milk and eggs, until Jack comes across some magic beans, that is.
Audiences can expect a slick production featuring lively music, saloons, horses, cactuses and even President Trump.
If you are looking for ideas for a trip to visit Santa, why not check out ONFife’s offerings at venues including the Rothes Halls this weekend and Kirkcaldy Galleries on December 9.
Another popular place to meet Santa and give him your wishlist is Muddy Boots, where Father Christmas will be in his grotto each weekend from now until Christmas Eve and this weekend as part of the Christmas fair at Hill of Tarvit.
At the Fairmont Hotel, visitors can sample a taste of a New York-style Christmas when an ice rink opens at the hotel this month.
Go along, treat yourself to a mince pie or festive drink from the market stall and skate under the starry Fife night sky from December 9 until January 7.