Blantyre Community Committee are once again putting their final touches on months of hard work for the Blantyre Festive Lights Switch on. The event is the fifth year they have hosted the free, successful community event which is open to all residents in the town. In previous years the Community Committee have funded infrastructure for all the electrics run into the park for the event including those for the Christmas tree itself. The Committee also paid for upgrading the tree lights.A Committee spokesperson added, “With South Lanarkshire Council Christmas lights across Lanarkshire under pressure from budgetary cuts, it is as important as ever for our community group to host and fund an event for Blantyre. We get such a thrill out of bringing the community together and promoting festive spirit at this time of year. There is so much work involved in the background that the public don’t see. Such as insurances, arranging first aid, security, risk assessments and permissions.
We’ve accomplished so much this year and are proud to announce we’ll be hosting one of the largest Christmas markets in Lanarkshire, as well as having guaranteed snow provided by our snow machine. We’re bringing along inflatables, a fairground, indoor tearoom, children’s activity marquee and of course, Santa! Hot and cold food will be available, as will indoor heated areas with tables and seats. We have many dozens of market stalls packed full of varied, exciting festive goodies, a DJ and covered main stage. They’ll be carols, ribbons and balloons near the tree with crowds expected to top 3,000 again. We’re thrilled to be able to put on many things for children for free and entry to the event will be completely free for all. The Committee have also found a way to work with local individuals and businesses to be able to fund a larger Christmas tree this year! (more on that later)
We’d like to say thanks to various South Lanarkshire Council departments for their close involvement, particularly in refuse, lighting and parks. As a contingency against weather, it is wonderful that we have the use of the large Hall in the Sports Centre that day. We now have various sponsors to be announced shortly and of course we’d like to say thanks to all the community minded people in Blantyre itself who have kindly given up their time and effort these last few months. It promises to be the largest festive event Blantyre has ever hosted.”
The Blantyre Christmas Lights switch on and market event takes place on Sunday 27th November 2016 from midday at Stonefield Public Park, Glasgow Road, Blantyre. The lights will be switched on at 4.15pm
