The region’s countdown to Christmas gets under way tomorrow (Friday, November 15) with Dumfries switching on its festive lights – along with a second helping of the popular Lights of Hope.
Dumfries Partnership Action Group has organised the festive fun with a programme for all ages and they hope to see residents in their thousands flock to the town centre.
There will be entertainment from 3pm at the Planestanes including UK finalist of Channel 4’s series, The Piano 2024, Alice Faye; Dumfries Town Band; the Dumfries Theatre Royal Guild of Players cast for their pantomime, Hansel & Gretel; DJ Connor Nelson, and others – all compered by Alive 107.3fm radio personality, Lee Medd.
In Queensberry Square, there will be amusements, Queen of the South FC, Solway Sharks, Nith Inshore Rescue and some illuminated tractors which will be taking part in Dumfrriesshire’s fundraising run on November 23.
Local schools’ choirs will be performing in the Loreburne Centre and there will be the chance to see the Dalscone Donkeys on Queensberry Street.
It all paves the way for the big switch-on by the reigning Queen of the South, Lucy Galligan, at 6.30pm ahead of an extra treat.
DPAG organiser, Mark Smith said: “Dumfries loves Christmas and we love to come together to launch the season.
“This year we’re blessed to also have real reindeer to pull Santa’s sleigh, leading the procession straight after the switch-on moment.
“We’ll follow Santa along the High Street, down Friars Vennel, Brewery Street, Whitesands and back up Bank Street, for a finale at 7pm on the Planstanes.”
Last year’s event launched the first Lights of Hope which saw extra lights going up along the Whitesands, around the river and on some of the bridges, which stayed switched on well into the New Year to spread some cheer into the darkest days of the year.
They will once again be sponsored by Mark Jardine of The People’s Project, and will again stay on each evening beyond Christmas and into January and February.
Mark said: “Many people find it hard to cope with those dark, bleak months which are a challenge to many.
“Mental health is something no-one should take for granted and with the Lights of Hope, we want to brighten the environment and breathe life into people’s spirits in the process.”