Designer John turns his hand to Johnstone Christmas Lights
November 23, 2010Provost’s Mistletoe Ball Raises £25,000 for charity
November 30, 2010Hundreds of people turned out this weekend for Johnstone’s Christmas Lights switch on.
The event in Houston Square saw celebrity designer John Amabile join Renfrewshire’s Provost Celia Lawson and twins Abbie and Blaire Monkman, from Houston, to officially light up the town for the festive season.
Gryffe High pupils Abbie and Blair, 11, switched on the lights in memory of their mother Debbie who passed away recently at St Vincent’s Hospice.
The event was organised by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with St Vincent’s, a charity which John is patron of.
Entertainment was provided by Clyde One’s Gina McKie and Kevin Cameron with lucky locals winning tickets to see Peter Andre, Pixie Lott and Mamma Mia.
There were performances by 22-year-old pop act GeO, who has supported many acts including Westlife, Alesha Dixon and Peter Andre, and Renfrewshire’s own Jamie McArthur. Local groups Dans-scene and Per4mance Stage School also took to the stage.
There was a snow beach provided by SnoZone at Braehead, a St Vincent’s Hospice Christmas Cafe and Santa’s Grotto within a marquee in Houston Square.
Provost Lawson said: “Johnstone switch on was a fantastic day and definitely the best turn out we’ve had in recent years. There was a real family atmosphere and great to see performances from such talented local youngsters.”
