Stormy weather can’t dampen Christmas spirit

Glasgow’s big Christmas lights switch on may have been cancelled — but the show went on in East Renfrewshire, marking an official start to the festive season.
By Gillian Loney
Published 17th Nov 2015, 09:28 BST

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Above: Giffnock welcomes Christmas with a bang - photo by Karen Gordon. Below: festive shoppers welcome Des Clarke to The Avenue. Bottom: Josh switches the lights on at George Square - photo by Ian WatsonAbove: Giffnock welcomes Christmas with a bang - photo by Karen Gordon. Below: festive shoppers welcome Des Clarke to The Avenue. Bottom: Josh switches the lights on at George Square - photo by Ian Watson
Above: Giffnock welcomes Christmas with a bang - photo by Karen Gordon. Below: festive shoppers welcome Des Clarke to The Avenue. Bottom: Josh switches the lights on at George Square - photo by Ian Watson

On Saturday, crowds gathered in Giffnock for the big event — and a visit from Santa. Following an afternoon of entertainment from local music and dance groups, Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell, presenters on STV’s Riverside Show, were given the honour of lighting up Fenwick Road.

On Sunday, it was over to The Avenue for festive fun. Comedian Desk Clarke returned to Newton Mearns with the cast of King’s panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — and again, Santa was able to drop by to open his grotto.

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Fresh from a performance at Giffnock, Glasgow boyband Rewind attracted more adoring crowds before the lights went up for Christmas 2015.

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom in Glasgow either. Bad weather may have scuppered the Sunday night event, but nine-year-old Josh Dolan was still able to join councillor Sadie Docherty, lord provost of Glasgow, on Monday to flick the switch at George Square.

Josh beat 1,224 other applicants to the job in this year’s Young Glasgow Flick the Switch competition, and said: “I’m really excited to be switching on the Christmas lights as I think Glasgow is the best city in the world!”

Those with tickets to the cancelled show will be able to exchange them for a free hot drink at Glasgow on Ice, running November 27 - December 31.

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Before that, Clarkston’s annual winter event takes place on Saturday (November 21), with stilt walkers, magicians, funfair rides, a visit from Santa and more on at Clarkston Hall, 12-5pm.

I Love Clarkston said: “The 2015 Christmas event promises to be bigger and better — so why not make a day of it and invite your friends and family to experience the Clarkston Winter Wonderland? We hope to see you all there.”

Back in Glasgow, the Style Mile Carnival — a Christmas street festival of more than 400 performers — sets off from St Enoch’s Square at 2.30pm on Sunday (November 22).

Pick up a copy of this week’s Extra (out on Thursday) for more fun Christmas photos — and remember to share yours over on Facebook and Twitter.

Related topics:East Renfrewshire