Community is at the heart of this year;s Christmas Lights Switch on in Nairn which will incorporate two markets, live performances, street theatre and a Santa’s grotto.
Countdown to Christmas, which will take place on Saturday, November 25 is being supported by a number of local businesses who have given donations to help the event go ahead.
Sainsbury’s, McDonald’s and the Co-Op are supporting the Santa’s Grotto with chocolatey gifts for the children who visit him at Nairn Library whilst Nairn Golf Club have made a financial donation to the event and West Country Trees has gifted three Christmas trees to the town.
The event will kick off at 10am with the lights being switched on at 4pm. It will take place over two locations, the Town Centre and Nairn Community & Arts Centre.
The event is being organised for a fourth year by Nairn Connects BID with support from Inverness Farmers Market and volunteers from the community.
Nairn BID manager Lucy Harding said: “We are once again looking forward to a busy and exciting day over the two locations in Nairn. This event really is about community and bringing people together which is what Christmas is all about too.
“From 10am there will be entertainment from local bands and community groups in both the High Street and at the community centre. This year, our stage will be set up outside the town house with the street market running all the way the along the High Street. We have a circus skills workshop and fire breather which will be located at the Brae, and round on Lepold Street, we will have songs and story time from the Mad Hatters of Moray who will also be mingling with the crowds.
“There will be ponies, huskies and of course the opportunity to shop till you drop at our beautiful shops and of course from the stalls put in place by Inverness Farmers Market.
“The switching on of the lights takes place at 4pm and we have a Christmas decoration competition running for one lucky person to win the chance to switch them on.
“This is the start of the Christmas festivities for the town. We have seen restaurants launching festive menus, there are numerous events on including Twas the Night Before Christmas by CAST a newly formed theatre group and the panto Hansel & Gretel by The Little Theatre and there will also be carols at The Bandstand on the Links which is being supported by Morag and Gordon Holding from The Havelock and Paul Geddes from The Bandstand Bar & Restaurant. There is a lot to look froward to over the coming weeks.”
The Countdown to Christmas event will take place on November 25. Full details and timings are available on the Nairn BID website www.nairnconnects.com.