Helensburgh Christmas lights switch-on ready to go

Elves have been busy volunteering their time and effort to ensure the stunning creation of "Christmas Town" brings joy to all ages.

The switch on event runs from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, November 18, with the lights being switched on between 4.30pm and 5pm.

There will be live music on stage from 12noon, community music and dance, carol singing from local churches and much more.

More than 60 stalls with gifts, baking, crafts and goodies will be part of the Christmas market, along with rides, fire engine display and activities to entertain everyone.

All the lights were installed in five days by a crew of seven, and particularly the help of two new volunteers, retired school teacher Gordon Turnbull and local craftsman Tom Peters. They joined Kenny McGrath, Davi Stewart, Paul Jack, Viv and Tony Dance.

The Christmas tree was donated by Luss Estates and installed by M&T Builders Merchants, West Coast Cutters and James Daly & Son.

A total of £6,000 worth of new lights are ready to sparkle on the tree, with the previous lights added to sixteen trees around the square. They will remain lighting up the evenings until the end of March.

The crib has been repaired for this year with a new roof and joinery work and a new viewing window to see the nativity scene.

It will ensure dry hay around the scene and organisers thanked Helensburgh Shop for their donation of the work, and Argyll and Bute Council for transporting the crib to its usual spot.

The nativity display has been restored this year (Image: Contributed)

Organisers told the Advertiser the crib is a special centre piece for many residents and they hoped the work this year will help it last many more Christmases.

They said: "Santa is well pleased with Helensburgh’s preparations for Christmas this year and is sure that the festive lights will bring lots of people to Helensburgh to enjoy the spectacle and shop in our lovely town.

"The elves would like to thank Helensburgh businesses for their support once again this year and a special thank you to Bethesda Church for their most generous donation and friendship.

"Lots of people have helped to bring the lights to fruition once again and are preparing to take part in the switch-on event. "It is looking like the weather will be unkind for this year’s event but please, everyone do come down to the square to support the people who donate many hours of hard work to bring about the 'Christmas Town'.

"The elves work in all weathers, so please come and join us and all the traders and entertainers who are there to welcome Santa, it may be a raincoat and wellie day but a huge crowd can make it a very special day and we look forward to seeing you all."