Aberdeen set to light up with Christmas lights switch on parade
13/11/09
A weekend of festive events in the city will culminate when the Lord Provost of Aberdeen leads the annual Christmas lights switch on parade on Sunday 15 November.
The festive fun starts at 5pm when street entertainers will wow the crowds until the switch on parade gets under way at 5.30pm from Albyn Place then heads along Union Street and arrives at the Castlegate at approximately 6pm.
Joining the Lord Provost on his Christmas carriage will be Ellie Ewen (7) from Bridge of Don, who attends Aberdeen School for the Deaf, who will help him wave a magic wand, switching on each light as they pass underneath.
A confetti cannon will blast off each time a decoration lights up while the Portlethen and District Pipe Band provide festive music as they march along. Following behind will be members of the Castlegate Theatre School and Attic Theatre Group also dressed in panto costumes.
Other groups taking part include Aberdeen Mini Club, which is celebrating 50 years of the little car, Aberdeen Girl Guides celebrating 100 years of the guiding movement, K9 Ecosse Working Dogs and the regional ecumenical team nativity, Grampian Society for the Blind and representatives of Grampian Special Olympics.
Adding to the carnival atmosphere will be Bucksburn Academy steel band, 12 days of Christmas carnival costumed entertainers and dancers.
Local mascots which will take part in the parade include Angus the Bull form Aberdeen Football Club, Clancy the Rabbit from the charity CLAN, various mascots from University of Aberdeen, The Mall Monster, Spotlass from Aberdeen City Council and Deen representing Aberdeen City and Shire.
Silver City Cabs have very kindly supplied the Lord Provost's carriage while Colin Lawson Transport has generously provided the vehicles for the steel band and Santa's sleigh. The Lord Provost's carriage is expected to arrive at Castlegate at approximately 6pm.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Peter Stephen said: "The parade is great fun for all the family and when the Christmas lights are switched on the city centre is enchanting."
Aberdeen City Council's Marketing and Events Manager Dawn Schultz said: "This year the City of Aberdeen's Switch on Christmas Parade will be the biggest yet focussing on the traditional aspects of the festive season with both Santa and the Twelve Days of Christmas being brought to life.
"This family friendly event will be a feast of festive fun and the annual city centre spectacular will bring a unique carnival atmosphere to the heart of Aberdeen.
"See the parade travel the length of Union Street with a stunning lights backdrop.
"Wrap up warm, make sure you get into the city centre in good time and soak up the amazing atmosphere."
This year the Christmas lights are being operated manually. The lights are switched on at approximately 3pm daily and switched off at approximately 8am daily. Anyone who wishes to report a faulty light should telephone the council's Contact Centre on 08456080919.
Details of road closures in and around the event can be found at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmaslights
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
