Countdown to festival

Road closures announced ahead of city’s Light Nights

THE countdown to the Dundee Light Nights Christmas Festival has begun.

The festive lights will be turned on at City Square on Friday November 24, at 6.45pm with screens at nearby Slessor Gardens also showing the festivities.

The fun begin at 6pm with a torchlight procession from The McManus to City Square ahead of the big switch-on.

The festivities, which will involve three days of events, could be accompanied by delays for motorists — with city centre streets in and around the Caird Hall and Slessor Garden areas to be closed off on the Friday and the Saturday.

Lord Provost Ian Borthwick, who took over the role in May, said he was looking forward to turning on the lights. He said: “I am expecting a big turnout. It’ll be an honour to turn on the lights and carry out that civic duty for the first time. I think it will be a good evening for all the family.

“I’m told Santa will be at City Chambers after the lights are turned on and I plan to take my grandchildren with me. Slessor Gardens, which is such a great asset for the city, will be put to good use and hopefully a big crowd gathers there too. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped in the preparations to make this a safe event for everyone to enjoy.”

To make the weekend as pedestrianfriendly as possible, Castle Street, Exchange Street and Shore Terrace will be closed all Friday, along with parts of Cowgate, Panmure Street, Murraygate, Reform Street and the High Street.

Part of Dock Street will be closed from 4pm-10pm and parts of Meadowside and Chapel Street will also be closed from 6pm-7pm. Earl Grey Place East, Earl Grey Place West, South Crichton Street and South Castle Street will all be closed on the Friday and Saturday. Traffic which normally travels through the city centre routes affected will be diverted along North, South, East and West Marketgait.

As well as the lights switch-on, there will be fireworks at 8pm in City Square on the Friday. Other events include a Christmas market at Slessor Gardens from 6pm on the Saturday, and a Nativity play on Sunday at the Steeple church from 10.30am.

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Part of the lights show was projected on to Boots in last year’s event.