ABERDEEN’S Christmas lights are to be switched on this Sunday (19 November) with a festive-themed parade.
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron will get the Union Street celebrations underway with Santas on Scooters setting off just after 5.15pm, followed by the Charlie House Santa Fun Run.
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The Lord Provost will be joined by the Mayor of Stavanger Mrs Sissel Knudsen Hegdal.
The main parade will begin at 5.30pm from Albyn Place to Castlegate, with each set of lights being switched on as they pass, and will feature many festive favourites, including:
· Santa and Rudolph;
· Festive characters, including giant nutcracker soldiers and elves;
· Panto characters from the various shows happening in Aberdeen;
· Festive floats;
· Music and dance performances from Rock Choir, Aberdeen Churches Together and Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts;
· Local charities, including Cornerstone, NSPCC and Guide dogs for the Blind;
· Sports groups and community organisations led by the Grampian and District Pipes and Drums
· The Castlegate Christmas Tree will also be lit up during the parade.
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “I look forward to the Christmas lights switch-on parade every year as it gets us all in the festive spirit and helps to illuminate the city centre with some festive sparkle.
“I am delighted to be joined this year by the Mayor of Stavanger, Mrs Sissel Knudsen Hegdal – it is wonderful that, as one of our twin cities, they continue to gift us the spectacular 35-foot Norwegian Christmas tree that sits proudly in the Castlegate every year.”
Various parking restrictions and road closures will be in place for the Christmas lights parade:
Between 6pm on Saturday 18 November and 7pm on Sunday 19 November there will no parking on Albyn Place between Albyn Grove and Alford Place, except for vehicles associated with the Christmas lights event.
On Sunday 19 November from 5pm to 7pm, the ban on right turns from King Street onto West North Street will be temporarily suspended, as well as the ban on right turns from Union Street onto Bridge Street and right turns from Holburn Street onto Willowbank Road.
Albyn Place will be closed on Sunday 19 November between its junctions with Alford Grove and Holburn Junction from 4pm to 6pm.
The Union Street, Castle Street and King Street corridor will also be closed from 5pm to 7pm between Holburn Street and East North Street on Sunday 19 November. Alternative routes will be available, please follow diversions.
The lights switch-on parade is just one of several events happening in Aberdeen during the festive period. To find out more visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas
