Crieff and Comrie set for festive switch-on

The countdown to Christmas gets under way in earnest in the Strath this weekend as Crieff’s Christmas Lights are switched on.

Volunteers from the Crieff@Christmas committee have been hard at work over the last few days putting up the town’s lights and ensuring that all the plans are in place for a great event.

The festivities on Saturday afternoon kick-off at 2pm in James Square and organisers are keen to encourage local residents to come along and join in the fun.

Amongst the attractions lined up for the afternoon are the children’s lantern parade in association with Remake Scotland, a visit from Santa Claus, Jason the Juggling Jester, a photo booth, carol singing and much more.

And those behind the event have also said that there are a couple of extra surprises planned as well.

A spokesperson for Crieff@Christmas said: “We’re looking forward to another good event.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for the big countdown party to welcome the season of festive goodwill and cheer.”

And the spokesperson added: “The committee would like to thank MAM Contracting and Alan Stewart for assisting with delivery and erection of our trees.

“We would also like to thank Chic, Alan and Neil from Tayside Contracts and Perth and Kinross Council for helping with the installation of the Christmas lights over the last two weekends. And last but not least, thanks must also go to RTS for their continued support and sponsorship of Crieff’s trees at the Square and Gallowhill.” Preparations for Comrie’s Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday, December 2, are well under way as well.

The Comrie Christmas Lights committee have been working hard in their first year to make this an extra special event.

The fun starts at 2pm and there will be a countdown in St Kessog’s Square at 5pm to mark the lights being switched on, followed by a fantastic firework display.

There will be a range of festive stalls and hot food and drink in the square from 2pm, and between 2pm and 4pm Pollyanna the Christmas pony will be available for pony rides.

Comrie Pipe Band will be marching from Melville Square to St Kessog’s Square, Comrie Brownies will be singing Christmas carols and there will be a special performance from a fire dancer.

And once lights have been switched on, Mr and Mrs Claus will visit the village with gifts for children in their grotto.

Amy Stewart is chair of the new committee.

She said: “We would like to say a special thanks to Jim Alexander who has had the mammoth task of refurbishing Comrie’s Christmas lights which were in desperate need of repair. He has painstakingly stripped all the old frames and revamped them with new LED lights.

“Jim has put a tremendous amount of time into this and by doing so has saved a substantial amount of money which the committee can use in years to come to hopefully add to our display.

“We’re really looking forward to switching the lights on next weekend and would encourage everyone to come along and support the event, it’s going to be great fun with lots of entertainment.”