Thousands turn out for Paisley’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On event

Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Families enjoyed a full day of free, Christmas-themed fun, with Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron carrying out the big switch on alongside Santa and competition winner Alexander from Heriot Primary School.

The live stage offered plenty of music and entertainment with performances from; Johnstone Brass Band, Angela Duncan Sings, Artie’s Singing Kettle, The Swinging Santas, Feeva, and this year’s stage headliners – Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers. A number of local community groups, singer songwriters and school choirs also delighted visitors with classic carol performances outside Paisley Central Library to help make everyone feel merry and bright.

There was also a funfair, food and market stalls from Big Feed in Abbey Close, festive walkabout characters and arts and crafts at Santa’s Workshop in the Art Department.

This year Dunn Square hosted a series of magical light tunnels, filling the square with different colours, special effects and music to create the perfect photo opportunity.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron said: “The Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the big events in the winter calendar and this year didn’t disappoint with a packed programme with something for everyone.

“It was great to see the event back on a Saturday and to see so many people out enjoying the start of the festive season. I’d like to say a special thank you to Alexander for helping me switch on the lights this year – you did a fantastic job!

“I hope everyone has a peaceful and Merry Christmas when it comes.”

The festive fun continues across Renfrewshire with Christmas events in Renfrew (22 November), Erskine (28 November), Johnstone (29 November) and Linwood (5 December). The extended programme was made possible by extra investment from the council to work with local communities to deliver a calendar of cultural events for the area’s five main town centres.

To find out more about future events taking place please visit: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk /events