Kilmarnock’s Christmas Lights Switch On promises to be a noisy, interactive, action packed affair – with organisers saying “Don’t just be a spectator – come and take part!”
With two stages of live entertainment, a Procession of Light with Spark! Illuminated drummers, a whole host of Winter Wonders Characters, an illuminated stiltwalker and a Christmas Craft Market, Sunday 26 November is set to be a lively afternoon, with festivities starting from 2.00pm and culminating with the Switch On at 5.00pm With Colin Mcardle hosting on the main stage, the public are invited to join in with an early afternoon “Winter Warm Up” session, and later on with a mass singalong in Centrestage’s “Choir-aoke”. More local talent, in the form of Loudoun Musical Society, will stage their own version of the popular “Pitch Battle” TV programme as part of their show. X Factor fans are in for a treat, with a special appearance from Ryan Lawrie, who found fame on the show in 2016 while the tremendously popular Angelstar will take top billing on the Main Stage for the lead up to the Switch On For children, highlights will include a craft zone at the Palace Theatre from 2.00pm – 16.30, where local artists will help primary age children, accompanied by an adult, to make their own Christmas decorations, and early on in the afternoon an array of, princesses and superheroes will be mingling with the crowds. Over in Foregate Square there will be a snow globe courtesy of Burns Mall who are also hosting a visit from Santa indoors! The New Laigh Kirk are also holding a street nativity party following on from the great success of their Narnia event in previous years. On the Community Stage, local schools, theatre groups and dance troupes will be showcasing their talent Fiona Nicolson, Town Centre Manager, from East Ayrshire Council’s Economic Development Team said: “We’re all looking forward to a bumper event this year. The Spark! Procession promises to be a great highlight – a first for Kilmarnock, and together with the illuminated Stilt Walkers and local children it will be a spectacular procession accentuated by light projections in King Street provided by Ayrshire College! There’s so much going on, it showcases so much local talent and the great thing is every year we find more and more people come along to support and enjoy this special event. It’s a fun way to shop and start Christmas for all the family.” For all details of the Christmas Lights Switch on, timings and news of other Town Centre events check out Facebook @KilmarnockTownCentre