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October 6, 2011Renfrewshire’s countdown to Christmas will be kicked off in spectacular style this year with a festive fireworks extravaganza.
A full day of fabulous fun and top-notch entertainment will be held in Paisley town centre on Saturday 5 November topped off with a stunning fireworks display to mark the start of the festive season.
The event will see the usual Paisley Fireworks and Christmas Lights Switch-On events rolled into one bigger and better event.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Celia Lawson will be joined on the day by top performers as well as local talent to lead the celebrations.
Provost Lawson said: “We are doing things a bit differently this year and I am really excited about it. Paisley has become known for hosting spectacular events over the last couple of years, particularly in the lead up to Christmas, and I am confident that this year will be our best yet.”
The decision to combine the two events was taken because Fireworks Night falls on a Saturday this year and combining the two events could attract more people, whilst at the same time saving money. Council chiefs expect to make savings of around £30,000.
Most of the Christmas light decorations used by the council now are chosen for high efficiency so the added cost of switching on the lights one week earlier is only around £75.
Renfrewshire Council Leader, Brian Lawson, who is also chair of Paisley Vision Board, said: “The Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On and Fireworks Night have become two of the biggest events in Renfrewshire’s festive calendar. However, in the current economic climate it is only right that we look at the financial implications of staging these two events so close together.
“There are significant costs involved in putting on both events, particularly with the numbers growing year on year which means we need to put in place more safety, sound and viewing resources to accommodate bigger crowds. These will be reduced by combining the two events into one.
“Also, with Fireworks Night being on a Saturday this year it made sense to try putting the two together and concentrate all our efforts to put on one full day spectacular event. This means, unlike on Fireworks night, people will be in the town during the day and into the evening.
“By putting on one major event we are able to boost the entertainment and other attractions to make this a fantastic fun day for the whole of Renfrewshire which will kick off the festive season in style and encourage more people coming into the town centre in the run up to Christmas.”
The event is free and will see a range of activities taking place throughout the town centre as well as the headline performances on the main stage at Gauze Street.
The final touches are just being made to the programme before the full event line is revealed very shortly.
Free overflow parking is being provided at Reid Kerr College, Paisley Grammar School and Castlehead High School.
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