The rain couldn't dampen spirits as Helensburgh turned out in force to see Christmas light up the town.
Residents across Helensburgh put on their best winter coats to come out and support the switching-on of the town's festive lighting display on November 18.
The event saw a whole range of live music on stage, community music and dance, carol singing from local churches and much more.
More than 60 stalls with gifts, baking, crafts and goodies were part of the Christmas market, along with rides, a fire engine display and activities to entertain everyone.
Vivien Dance from the Helensburgh Festive Lighting Charitable Trust, which organises the event, told the Advertiser: "Thank you to everyone who helped to create the magic once again by helping Santa switch on the town’s lights for another year, the elves were delighted to see the huge crowd gather to launch the 'Christmas Town' that the lights create for seven weeks."
The day started with two talented volunteers Donna Hicks and James McCracken, who welcomed over four hundred local entertainers to the stage to give the crowd a variety of music and dance.
Hermitage Primary School's choir filled the stage first, followed by LCI Dance Centre, then Ian McLeod Theatre School.
They were soon followed by Lomond and Clyde Community Orchestra, then Helensburgh Junior Strings and Bethesda Christian Fellowship joined with the Baptist Church and Hope Church to round off the impressive programme, with jolly carol singing just in time for the arrival of Santa on his special fire engine.
Vivien continued: "What a talented community we have and thanks to everyone for bringing the true spirit of Christmas to our event and giving up your time to add so much to the Switch On. You were just brilliant and the smiles on the stage gave everyone a lift."
We previously told how all the lights were installed in five days by a crew of seven, and particularly with the help of two new volunteers - retired Hermitage Academy teacher Gordon Turnbull and local craftsman Tom Peters.
They joined Kenny McGrath, Davi Stewart, Paul Jack, and Viv and Tony Dance.
READ MORE: Excitement builds ahead of Helensburgh Christmas lights switch-on
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 sparkled on the tree this year 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.
The crowd joined in with all the fun and counted down to the lighting up of the square and the magnificent tree before heading to the rides and the food stalls to enjoy the fun of the day.
And with the Christmas spirit in the air, there was plenty of smiles and laughter all round the town centre.
Vivien added: "Santa was welcomed to the stage by a host of characters all provided by local youngsters who then presented their very own Helensburgh cabaret which would give “Strictly” reason to be envious. You are just fantastic, thank you so much for your contribution."
"The Helensburgh Elves can only ensure that the lights and this very special event go ahead year after year with the help of local people, some local businesses and officers of Argyll and Bute Council.
"Thanks to every one of them who makes sure Helensburgh’s Christmas lights are here again, it is a pleasure to work with so many good people, our many supporters, friends and donors, enjoy the lights and a very Happy Christmas to you all."
All photos by Tom Watt
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