Gold medallist Steph McGuire will bring some extra sparkle to Hamilton this weekend – when he switches on the town’s Christmas lights.
The hometown Paralympic hero is delighted to be pushing the button at the festive spectacular.
Organisers invited the boccia player along to do the honours after his heroics at the Paris Games earlier this year.
Steph said: “What an honour! It’s something I always went to, and it’s a great event.
“To be asked to go and turn on the lights, is incredible. It’s always busy, my friends and family will all be there, and it will be such a great occasion. I’m looking forward to that.
“I lived in Hamilton all my days, it means a lot to me, and it’s great that I can come back with a gold medal and share it with everybody.
“There have been a lot of people who have helped me along the way and who have supported me – like you guys at the Hamilton Advertiser and local businesses, and the public in and around Hamilton. It has been brilliant.
“Hopefully it’s a really nice occasion, and I’m sure it will be.”
The lights will get turned on this Saturday, November 23.
While Steph will do the honours, a busy day will also include the presentation of the Hamilton Hero awards – and a celebration parade from Castle Street and along Quarry Street including Sambayabamba, fire performers and Santa.
The day also features a Christmas market and a programme of entertainment led by presenter Garry King with music including Christmas tunes and a performance by Hamilton Grammar pupils, plus dancers, walking theatre, juggling and a circus showing.
The Christmas market will open at 10am, entertainment will begin at noon, the Christmas parade will leave form Castle Street at 3pm and the lights will be switched on at 5.30pm.
Get along to Quarry Street on Saturday to enjoy all the festive fun.
Meanwhile, markets will again take place at the Regent Centre on Saturdays, December 7 and 21 – accompanied by a pop-up panto on the former date and then a town centre trail featuring Santa on the weekend before Christmas.
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