Watch: Christmas has started with the annual light switch on at George Square

It’s time to put up the Christmas tree and pull out the stockings, Glasgow’s festive period officially commenced with the annual light switch-on in George Square yesterday evening (17 November). A widely celebrated event which welcomed 10,000 ticket winners to the city centre for a 360-degree illumination show and ample entertainment from local talent.

Hosted by Bowie@Breakfast presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, the programme included live music from the Soul Nation Choir and On Repeat, a taster of this year’s Pavilion pantomime Beauty and the Beastie, a visit from Santa Claus, and a set from Nathan Evans and the SAINT PHNX BAND who have just collaborated on a soon to be released album.

The special annual event symbolises the start of the Christmas countdown for many across Glasgow. Other festive family activities taking place is WinterFest across George Square and St Enoch’s Square, the Style Mile Christmas Carnival and Santa Dash.

The City Chambers will now be illuminated with state-of-the-art lighting, with a 30-minute light show to take place on repeat daily between 15:30 and 22:00. There will also be interactive buttons on lampposts outside the City Chambers that will allow people to light up the pavement with festive shapes.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “The city lights switch-on signals the start of the festive season. It’s a hugely popular family friendly event that never loses its magic. Capturing the essence and excitement of Christmas – whatever age you are.”

George Bowie added: “It feels like the countdown to Christmas really has begun after another brilliant Christmas Lights Switch On, with the wonderful people of Glasgow. Cassi and I love this event and a special thank you Glasgow Life for inviting us to get involved every year, we wouldn’t miss it.”

Cassi Gillespie co-host of Bowie@Breakfast added: “It’s such a brilliant festive event to be part of and it just keeps getting better and better. As well as the fantastic crowd I thought our old friends Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX were superb. A big shout out also goes to the Beauty and the Beastie cast, Soul Nation Choir On Repeat and of course our Clyde 1 winners.”