Twinkling lights mark a step into Christmas

Glasgow lord provost and Linn councillor Sadie Docherty oversaw the event at George Square on Thursday, with help from three-year-old James Dundas and mum Dawn McFadyen, who won a Clyde 1 competition to flick the switch.

Over 12,000 people attended, with entertainment provided by radio DJs George Bowie and Knoxy, stars of Peter Pan The Never Ending Story tour and the Pavilion Theatre’s annual panto, The New Magical Adventures of Pinocchio — as well as the annual fireworks display.

The event marks the beginning of the Glasgow Loves Christmas programme, with Glasgow on Ice and fairground attractions open from November 23.

But festive shoppers may already be in the Christmas spirit, as the Style Mile Spectacular event followed on Sunday, providing street theatre for the thousands heading to the city centre.

Toy soldiers took to the air to sprinkle some festive spirit, the Snow Queen and Jack Frost greeted shoppers on stilts, and the Brazilian Christmas Samba Band offered brief respite from the winter weather.

But Glasgow wasn’t having all the fun, as stars from another panto appeared in Newton Mearns to light up the countdown to Christmas at The Avenue, also on Sunday.

Santa arrived at his new Newton Mearns grotto and Clyde 1 DJ Gina McKie was on hand to meet Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and — of course — Widow Twankey ahead of their appearance in Aladdin at the King’s Theatre.

Are you fundraising this Christmas, or planning your own community event? Send your festive pics to Gillian (address above) and they could feature in The Extra.