Johnstone will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights in the town are switched on this weekend.

Saturday, 30 November, will see Houstoun Square transformed in to a winter wonderland with a variety of entertainment to put everyone in the festive spirit.

johnstone christmas lights

From 12pm, the Pulse FM DJs will host the main stage – set in the Houstoun Square bandstand – with local acts performing live from 2pm.

Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule to hear what all the children are hoping to find in their stockings this year. You can find him inside his grotto. Don’t forget to say hello to his reindeer friends!

This year’s event takes place on Fair Saturday so if you’re looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and support a local cause in the process, then don’t miss the St Vincent’s Hospice market. Active Communities will also be running creative activities including face painting and glitter tattoos until 5pm.

At 5pm, Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron will be joined by lucky competition winner, Calum Anderson from St Anthony’s Primary, on stage to push the button and light up Johnstone for the Christmas period.

Provost Cameron said: “We had two great events in Paisley and Renfrew on the past two weekends. Now it’s Johnstone’s turn and I can’t wait to bring the festivities to the town.

“The town will be buzzing all afternoon with Santa making an appearance and lots of entertainment to keep young and old entertained.“I’m looking forward to turning on the lights with Calum this year and I hope to see you all there for the big moment.”

Research shows around 65p from every pound spent in the local area stays in the local area and Renfrewshire Council are encouraging visitors to the event to take part in the Spend Local campaign and support the wide range of businesses on offer in Johnstone town centre.

For more information on events in Renfrewshire visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

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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