Dumfries 'Lights of Hope' switched on with Christmas countdown

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Thousands of people turned out to see Dumfries switch on to Christmas.

The Christmas lights countdown and parade followed a day of entertainment by local talent from Dumfriesshire.

For the second year running, Dumfries Partnership Action Group arranging this year’s Christmas festival and created a family-focussed event designed to appeal to all ages.

The highlight was the big switch-on by the reigning Queen of the South, Lucy Galligan and real reindeer from the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd pulling Santa’s sleigh.

Local schools’ choirs, including Troqueer Primary, performed in the Loreburne Centre, as well as the River of Life Youth,. and Dalscone Donkeys had plenty of visitors on Queensberry Street, which also had Queen of the South FC, Solway Sharks, Nith Inshore Rescue and some illuminated tractors.

Also spreading Christmas cheer during the day was Daffy Dill, Jordan Patterson Balloons, Andy Jester on stilts, and The Street Pastors.

At the Planestanes, entertainment featured Alice Faye, UK finalist of Channel 4’s series, ‘The Piano 2024’, the Dumfries Town Band, the Theatre Royal panto cast, DJ Connor Nelson, Next Level School of Dance and Instep Dance group, compered by Alive 107.3fm radio personality, Lee Medd.

DPAG organiser, Pastor Mark Smith said: “Dumfries loves Christmas and we love to come together to launch the season. This year we were blessed to also have real reindeer to pull Santa’s sleigh, leading the procession straight after the switch-on moment.”

As well as the town centre festivities, it also saw the switch on of hundreds of white ‘Lights of Hope’ strung along the Whitesands, around the river and some of the bridges.

They will stay on during December, January and February as a beacon of light and hope during the dark winter months.

They’re once again sponsored by Mark Jardine, founder of the People’s Project, who said that 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.

He said: “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.”

The board members of Dumfries Partnership Action Group have issued “a huge thank you” to all those who made the big weekend Christmas switch-on such a success.

DPAG chairman Robin Wishart said: “This was our second year of working with partners, businesses and the community

to help make the run up to Christmas something truly special for the town. The enthusiasm, contributions and simple hard work of all the people involved made it just that. It was spectacular. To see thousands of families, children and visitors

crammed into the High Street was wonderful and a real reflection of how people really value Dumfries Town Centre.”

He added: “The list is huge, but the DPAG Board want to particularly thank D&G Chamber of Commerce, Jardine’s Funerals, Devorgilla Rotary Club, D&G Council teams, Scottish Power Energy Networks and Dumfries Town Band for their support. Those businesses, cafes and stall providers who stayed open during the later sessions made things even more welcoming and we have to mention the Community Safety Team and Police Scotland for keeping us all safe and well.”

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