The big switch-on gets festive season started

And the good news is that it’s completely free to attend.

As well as the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm in Milngavie precinct, there will be an art and crafts market.

Around 20 stalls will sell a variety of art, jewellery and crafts of all types throughout the day - a perfect opportunity to pick up some early Christmas presents.

There will also be a Nativity Stable with a real donkey - which is being kindly provided by The Donkey Sanctuary - a magician and lots of fun, games and balloons with popular family entertainer Pat Doogan.

The wee ones can also have their faces painted and pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto where they can receive a small gift and pick up a good behaviour certificate.

The Grotto will be open every Saturday from 12noon to 4.30pm until December 12.

The children can also enjoy hearing Christmas stories in the storytelling tent which is being manned by volunteers from local churches, with story slots every 30 minutes.

The schedule for the performances on the stage includes Milngavie Pipe Band, the Rock Choir, martial art performances, local dance groups, Westerton Male Choir, fairy princesses (Frozen Characters Elsa and Anna), Scottish traditional music performed by pupils from Douglas Academy, 40 piece Dunbartonshire Concert Band and performances by two bands - We Were Hunted and The Favour.

Ania Surma, Co-ordinator of Milngavie Town Centre BID Limited who are organising the event, said: “This is going to be a wonderful family-friendly event with a number of attractions for everyone.

“We hope everyone comes along and gets into the festive spirit.

“We have a very special guest this year - Santa has taken time out of his busy schedule to come and perfom the switch-on of the lights.

“He will be helped by the lucky winner of our painting/drawing competition.”