Shining a festive light on Broughty Ferry

After almost five months of planning, Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association will be staging the area’s Christmas lights switch-on

P“It’s always a real family atmosphere, so come along, bring the kids and get into the Christmas spirit – it’s going to be fantastic”

lanning and the event application for the annual event began back in the summer, following on from the success of gala week in the first week of July. Part of the proceeds from the gala went towards funding the big Broughty Ferry Christmas event which is always eagerly anticipated by traders, residents and visitors.

Steve James, who will be stepping down in 2023 after 10 years as BFTA chairman, is hoping for an extra-special Christmas event this year.

He told The Courier: “With Dundee now having Winterfest at Slessor Gardens, our official Broughty Ferry Christmas lights switch-on event is the only one happening locally.

“It’s always a real family atmosphere, so come along, bring the kids and get into the Christmas spirit – it’s going to be fantastic.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing all the smiling, happy faces.”

In fact, Steve can look forward to seeing between 2,000 and 3,000 smiling faces this year!

The big switch-on happens around 7.30pm on Thursday, but before that there is plenty entertainment in Brook Street,

Gray Street and Fort Street to be enjoyed from 6pm.

Firstly, a selection of the local shops and cafes will be opening late to boost business and give shoppers a late-night shopping experience. Take a closer look at the shop windows, as they will all be adorned in festive decorations.

Steve reveals some of the highlights in this year’s lineup which includes: MC Bob Doig, Eastern Primary School choir and Thomson-leng Musical Society. The theatrical organisation will be singing all the Christmas classics and give crowds a sneak preview of songs from their annual pantomime, Frosted, which is on at The Gardyne later this month. Of course, Santa will be putting in an appearance too. Paul Smith from Apex Acoustics will be providing sound engineering.

There will also be carnival rides which have always proved popular over the years.

Organising the event is always a real community affair, as is the event itself. This year’s Christmas lights switch-on event would not have been possible without contributions and support from the traders’ association’s members; Scotmid’s £250 grant; sponsors Gillies of Broughty Ferry; Scott Brothers; and DC Lighting’s

Doug and Sandra Cree, who will hang and take down the lights this year at a hugely discounted cost.

Besides entertainment, and admiring the lights on the night, there will also be delicious handmade burgers for sale outside Scott Brothers Butchers. The butchers give a substantial donation to the traders’ association from the proceeds.

The free Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Broughty Ferry at the main stage at 7.30pm this Thursday. Family entertainment starts at 6pm.

As well as all the festive fun, it is a chance for local businesses to come together – this is at the heart of Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association, which is always looking to recruit new members.

Outgoing chairman Steve reached out to businesses: “With difficult times ahead and lack of funding, it is important we all come together and invest in Broughty Ferry. If we don’t, we won’t be able to keep our high street looking as vibrant, and we may lose this event and gala week

“If we’re all one voice with over 260 local Broughty Ferry businesses and a small membership fee, we can use the power of local to survive.”

BROUGHTY FERRY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON IS AT 7.30PM, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17. FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT 6PM

FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT: The crowds turn out for last year’s lighting-up ceremony in Broughty Ferry. Picture by Kenny Smith.