Dumfriesshire youngsters are getting excited in Annan for the town’s forthcoming Christmas festival and lights switch-on.
They flocked to join the first free lantern-making workshop, on Saturday, held in the function room at The Anglers, with just as keen adults sharing their creative talents too.
Another session was held earlier this week, and the last one will take place on Saturday (November 23) from 3pm to 5pm – with an open invite to go along.
The hard-working Annan Christmas Lights Committee are hoping that the children will take along their newly-created lanterns and join in a parade down the High Street on Saturday, November 30, at the town’s big Christmas switch-on event.
A spokesperson for the committee, said: “Thank you so much to all who attended our lantern workshops. It was lovely to see all the tables full with smiling faces. Not sure if it was the children or the parents who enjoyed it more. Hope to see them all on parade on November 30 at the switch on.”
In the meantime, the committee are delighted with the massive support from the local community – especially businesses – who have made generous donations towards lighting up Annan for Christmas.
The committee’s Julie Pepper has also launched a JustGiving Page to raise £1,000 from public donations at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/julie-pepper-2?utm and they have smashed their initial online target with £1,302 donated so far.
Other cash has been handed in, along with sales of special fundraising Christmas cards, and it will all go towards the purchase and maintenance of the light and Christmas tree and to provide the free entertainment, Santa’s Grotto, facepainting and activities on November 30.
Julie said: “Without the support of such fantastic local businesses we wouldn’t be able to continue what we do for all of Annan’s children on switch-on day. Thank you so much.”
Among those to make larger donations recently were Rene’s Gifts & Accessories who raised £390 towards the appeal; £300 from R Johnstone & Sons; £200 from Moffat Fire and Security Ltd; and £100 from Kidner Opticians in Annan. And there was a donation from Alan and Jeanette Smith from Vancouver, Canada.