Dumfries Is ‘Switched On’ This Christmas

A Crowd of thousands gathered progressively throughout the day as Dumfries held its Christmas Lights Switch On event on Sunday 27 November. Everyone soaked up the festive atmosphere in and around the high Street area. The Christmas Market were made up of local traders and were kept busy with a steady flow of people from 10am.
The on-stage entertainment started at in the eraly afternoon on The Plainstanes and featured an eclectic taste of music and other performances. There were performances from school choirs and an appearance from local radio presenter ‘Tommy Jardine’, who whipped up the crowd’s in his own unique way. There were also performances from local singers Ben Stubbs, Kate Kyle and Alana Currie, as well as sing-alongs with Disney characters throughout the day.
At 5.30pm, there was a special guest of a very different kind, when Santa himself landed for a chat with the growing crowds.
As well as the on-stage entertainment, there were a number of activities available for people of all ages. Santa’s Grotto and the Snow Globe were big hits with the smaller children looking to ask for that special gift this year, and bouncy swings ride in Queensberry Square was also very popular with revellers.
Dumfries was lit up at 6pm, when the countdown reached ‘1’. Three new lights were added to the High Street this year, designed by Primary School children as part of the Christmas Light design competition which is run every year in Primary schools across Nithsdale. This year the winners were as follows;
P1-3
Lauren Brown of Wallace Hall Primary
P4-5
Harry Watson of Duncow Primary
P6-7
Kirstin Murray of Calside Primary
The winning lights are on proud display on Dumfries High Street – hanging parallel to the Fountain where English Street meets the High Street.
Straight after the big Switch On, a series of spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky behind the Midsteeple, and were met with “ooohs” and “aahhhs” from the crowds.
Chairman of Nithsdale Area Committee and Provost of Dumfries, Cllr Ted Thompson switched the lights on with the help of the winning school pupils. He said of the event;
“I hope everyone enjoyed the activities and entertainment at this year’s Switch On.
The lights designed by the school pupils looked terrific and the children should be very proud. The town remained busy for a good while after the Switch On to listen to St Michael’s Primary School Choir, which was excellent. I would like to thank all of the performers on the Plainstanes for their performances.
Many of the acts were performing thanks to support from the Oasis Youth Centre Events Team, who did a smashing job of coordinating the Switch On. I think throughout the day there truly was something for everyone. I would like to wish everyone all the very best for the festive season.”