Dumfries Christmas lights are launching on Friday 15th November, at the Plainstanes, with entertainment from 3pm and the big switch-on, by the reigning Queen of the South, Lucy Galligan, at 6.30pm.
For the second year running, Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG) has been awarded the job of arranging this year’s event.
They’ve been busy building a family focussed event designed to appeal to all ages. Last year saw thousands of people of all ages fill the town centre to enjoy the festivities. They’re expecting this year to be even better!
Last year also launched the ‘Lights of Hope’, staying on beyond Christmas, into January and February. Many people find it hard to cope with those dark, bleak months. Lights are going up again along the Whitesands, around the river and some of the bridges. They’re once again sponsored by Mark Jardine from Jardine’s Funerals who says, “Mental health is something no-one should take for granted. The cold, dark winter months are a challenge to many, so with the Lights of Hope, we want to brighten the environment and breathe life into people’s spirits in the process.”
DPAG organiser, Mark Smith says, “Dumfries loves Christmas and we love to come together to launch the season. This year we’re blessed to also have real reindeer to pull Santa’s sleigh, leading the procession straight after the switch-on moment. We’ll follow Santa along the High Street, down Friars Vennel, Brewery Street, Whitesands and back up Bank Street, for a finale at 7pm on the Plainstanes.”
Entertainment will run from 3pm and feature Alice Faye, UK finalist of Channel 4’s series, ‘The Piano 2024’, the Town Band, the Theatre Royal panto cast, DJ Connor Nelson and others. Alive 107.3fm radio personality, Lee Medd, will tie it all together with style.
In Queensberry Square, there’ll be amusements, Queen of the South FC, Solway Sharks, Nith Inshore Rescue and some illuminated tractors from the Tractor Parade taking place on the 23rd.
Local schools’ choirs will be performing in the Loreburne Centre and Dalscone Donkeys on Queensberry Street.
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