THE countdown is on to Dumfries’ annual Christmas Lights Switch-on event next week.
The town will get festive on November 17 and the organisers have revealed their plans.
In the afternoon there will be entertainment on the Plainstanes with contributions from Dumfries Town Band, The Chloe Baker Group, Theatre Royal Guild of Players, The Ultimate Dance Group, Road Runner, River of Life Choir, The Synergy Choir and DJ Connor.
At the same time, choirs from Calside, St Andrew’s and Troqueer primary schools will be entertaining the crowds in the Loreburne Centre.
There’ll also be fairground rides and activities from Queen of the South FC and Solway Sharks ice hockey teams, with an opportunity to meet some of the players.
It all leads up to 6.30 pm when the winners of this year’s primary schools Christmas bauble design competition will push the plunger to launch the lights.
Straight after the switch on, Santa will lead Dumfries Town Band and the gathered crowds for a torchlight procession along the High Street, Down Friars Vennel, along the Whitesands, returning up Bank Street to a finale back on the Plainstanes. People are welcome to bring their own torches and use phone lights to make a glittering sight.
Mark Smith is coordinating the event for Dumfries Partnership Action Group, and said: “I’m so excited for the Lights Switch-on 2023! It great to work with the Guid Nychburris team and local organisations. Dumfries does Christmas well, and people love to gather in the town to shop, meet up and enjoy the atmosphere on the build up to the 25th December.
“We’re expecting that this year’s switch-on event will be vibrant, entertaining and heart warming, as we come together to launch the Christmas season.”
He thanked Jardine’s Funerals for making the ‘Lights of Hope’ element, as well as Dumfries and Galloway Council, the Devorgilla Rotary Club, sponsors The Globe Inn and other local businesses.
Mark added: “It’s going to be a super event – thanks to all who are working hard to make it great!”
