Stirling’s high street was filled with festivities yesterday evening as the city gathered for the annual Christmas light switch-on.
The infamous Scottish weather made for an atmospheric evening, but the rain did not put anyone off! A large number of families gathered under a sea of umbrellas to experience the Snowy Stirling Parade and Christmas lights switch-on.
Festivities began with heartening Christmas carollers and street performers at 3 pm. There was some spectacular stilt work accompanied by captivating lights and colours.
The parade kicked off on Baker Street at 4.30 pm and wound its way down to King Street – soundtracked by the unmistakable sound of The Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band and Stirling Schools Pipe Band. Santa and Mrs Claus led the parade in all their finery, striding down King Street to cheers, lights and balloons.
Stirling Rock Choir came forward to grace the crowd with their merry renditions of festive favourites such as ‘Silent Night’, followed by Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe, who thanked everyone for coming and read a beautiful poem featuring joyful rhyming couplets for all ages in the crowd to enjoy.
As 5 pm came around, the rain finally ceased as the one and only Santa made his big appearance for the countdown! Colourful, warm, festive lights illuminated the high street 10 seconds later.
The time came to head home and warm up with a hot chocolate and a fluffy blanket. It has been another successful and joyful year for the Stirling Christmas Lights celebration.
The University of Stirling Christmas Lights
Stirling University will be following suit next week, switching on its Christmas lights on Monday 20th November. Free festive food and drink and a range of festivities will be available to those attending. This year is looking to be a bright and merry Christmas!
Feature Image Credit – Alice Pollard
First year journalism student
