Ayrshire Post

We are walking in a winter wanderland

- ABI SMILLIE

It’s the festive event that usually attracts big crowds and famous faces, but this year’s annual Christmas light switch on events will take on a new look.

South Ayrshire Council have banded together to turn our towns into Winter Wanderland­s, allowing families to enjoy festive lighting, outdoor art and selfie spots as they conjure up some Christmas spirit.

With the region remaining in tier 3 of the Scottish Government’s five Local Protection Levels, restrictio­ns are in place to help suppress the spread of COVID- 19 including a ban on organised events which attract big crowds.

For a six- week periodstar­ting on Sunday, November 22- town centres in Troon, Prestwick, Ayr, Maybole and Girvan will be transforme­d into festive spectacula­rs.

There will be something for everyone as you take a ‘ Wander’ around town centres where you’ll be able to enjoy; shopping, dining, festive lighting, outdoor art, craft packs for families to take away and enjoy at home, shop window displays, selfie spots, shop scavenger hunts, wish upon a star opportunit­ies and much more.

A council spokesman said: “The health and safety of our communitie­s, staff and emergency services remains our priority during this pandemic and, with this in mind, we have taken the decision to replace this year’s traditiona­l one day switch- on events with fantastic ‘ Winter Wanderland­s’.”

Christmas worshipper­s and bah humbug scourges alike can expect to see the numerous attraction­s on offer any time between Sunday, November 22 and Sunday, January 3.

Councillor Siobhian Brown, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture said: “The transforma­tion of our town centres into ‘ Winter Wanderland­s’ is certain to bring a touch of festive magic to residents.

“Although uncertaint­y still hangs over many aspects of our lives at the moment, it’s important that we all still have things to look forward to.

“South Ayrshire Council is supporting the ‘ Scotland Loves Local’ campaign, and the range of attraction­s, shopping and dining on offer is certain to be a welcome boost for our local businesses.

“While we encourage you to enjoy what’s on offer, we also urge you to keep yourselves and your families safe by following current public health guidance and observe physical distancing at all times.”

Visit www. south- ayrshire. gov. uk/ christmas/

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Unlike previous years, there will no large crowd gathering at the Christmas Light switch- on in Ayr Town Centre
Light fantastic Unlike previous years, there will no large crowd gathering at the Christmas Light switch- on in Ayr Town Centre

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