Renfrew kicked-off its countdown to Christmas at the weekend with a day-long party to mark the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Big crowds gathered in the streets outside Renfrew Town Hall to see the town illuminated by the festive lights and fireworks despite the wet weather.

Helping Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall switch-on the lights was competition winner Joshua Lowrie, 11 from Barsail Primary School.

The switch-on itself was then followed by a stunning fireworks display, with the town hall providing a striking backdrop to the spectacle.

Pulse FM DJs were on hand to provide some tunes and lead the countdown to the lights going on, with the Snow Queen and Jack Frost dancing with kids in the rain during the build-up.

Kids also enjoyed the free entertainment and family fun throughout the afternoon, with visitors to the town hall getting the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.

Other activities including facepainters, balloon modelling, Christmas crafts and circus workshops, puppet shows and a Christmas carol service, while outside there was funfair rides, street performers and entertainers.

I Heart Renfrew, a music festival run by Renfrew Development Trust and Mad Angle Music, also saw local musicians performing in various venues across the town on the day.

Provost Hall said: “It is always a pleasure to be out in Renfrew to help switch on the lights in the town.

“The event is always well-supported by the local community, who always turn out in their numbers, enjoying the live entertainment and family fun.

“Our events programme is geared towards giving local traders a boost by using our historic town centres as venues and bringing in a crowd.

“Renfrew Town Hall is a fantastic backdrop for the fireworks display and the town looked great.”

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-on – run by Renfrewshire Council – is part of an exciting winter events programme for the area.

Big crowds turned out to Johnstone and Paisley last week for their Christmas Lights Switch-on events.

Earlier in November, thousands turned out the Paisley Halloween Festival and the Fireworks Spectacular, which featured the ever-popular Spark! LED drummers and local band Lemonhaze.

For more information on local events, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events.

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