Thousands are expected to turn out to see Paisley’s historic skyline light up in the annual fireworks extravaganza this Saturday.

With Paisley the only Scottish place on the shortlist for the UK City of Culture 2021, the 80s themed event will show the town knows how to stage a huge event, with a silent disco, kids workshops and retro arcade games.

The twenty minute fireworks spectacular will burst into life across the Paisley skies from 7pm, accompanied by an 80s soundtrack.

Radio Clyde DJs Callum Gallacher and Grant & Amber will be playing classics from the decade from 4pm, with George & Cassi also playing 80s classics from 6pm at Paisley Town Hall leading up to the dazzling display.

The funs starts in Paisley Town Hall from 2pm, with a series of free family activities throughout the afternoon.

Remode Redesign will run workshops where participants will print fabric using a range of 80s games themed wooden blocks and create their own pencil case or make up bag.

Numbers are limited to 20 per session and the free event starts at 2pm.

The 80s themed silent disco kicks off on the ground floor at 2pm, where two sets of music fans of all ages dance to different music played through headsets.

The sessions are suitable for all ages and will run throughout the afternoon.

At the end of each one, the best dressed 80s costume or best dancer will win a prize.

Kids drop in workshops start at 2pm in the Artmania zone, with crafts suitable for pre-schoolers to kids of Primary 4 and beyond.

All of the workshops should be booked through Eventbrite.

Arcade games will continue the 80s theme, with iconic favourites like Pac- Man, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong available to pit your skills against.

Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 is part of a wider push to use the town’s unique heritage and cultural story to transform the whole of the Renfrewshire area.

The town is on the shortlist alongside Coventry, Stoke, Sunderland and Swansea.

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: “It’s great to be able to showcase Paisley as a large scale events venue as we bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

“Big events like these show our proven capacity to host big crowds and Paisley town centre makes a unique venue, especially with the back drop of the Abbey.”

Residents should be aware that a series of road closures will be put in place from early on Saturday 4th November at Gauze Street, St Mirren Street, Cotton Street, Lawn Street and Smithhills Street until after the event.

County Place, Gilmour Street, High Street and Bridge Street will be closed in places, while Abbey Close and the Lagoon South Car Park will be closed.

From 3.30pm, Seedhill Road  will be closed in places, with Causeyside Street to follow from 4.30pm onwards, while Mill Street will  be closed from Lonend to Bank Street from 6.45pm.

The fireworks display follows the Halloween festival and parade in the town centre and precedes the Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On on November 18.

For more information and to book go to: http://www.paisley2021.co.uk/paisleys-winter-festival/fireworks-spectacular/

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X