Thousands of people are expected to make a beeline for Nairn next Saturday, November 30, for the town’s annual Christmas light switch on event.
‘Countdown to Christmas’ will boast stage entertainment, a circus skills workshop and a fire show, Shetland ponies, huskies, street theatre and of course Santa, who will open the event, be in his grotto and then help one lucky young person turn on the Christmas lights at 4pm.
As well as the entertainment, Nairn is bustling with beautiful independent shops, many of whom are putting on special offers and the High Street will be lined with market stalls from creators and producers from across the region.
There will also be a craft market in the Nairn Community & Arts Centre.
The event is being organised by Nairn BID with the help of other organisations from across the town.
Lucy Harding, manager of Nairn BID said:
“This really is a community celebration and there are so many different organisations and groups who are getting involved.
“We have 10 different groups performing on the stage, the scouts are helping Santa in his Grotto which will once again be set up in the Library and CAST and Nairn Little Theatre are getting on board to provide street theatre throughout the day.”
Completely new to this year’s event is the introduction of a Ceilidh on the Brae which is being supported by musician Dave Godden also known as “The World’s Smallest Ceilidh Band,” and Donald Wilson of The Nairn Ceilidh Group.
Every hour from 10.40am, people are being encouraged to head for the Brae to enjoy a spot of dancing.
“We are hoping that people will be willing to give the ceilidh dancing a go,” explained Lucy, “David and Donald will be there to encourage folk to get involved and as it’s also St Andrew’s Day, we hope people will get in the spirit and have some fun.”
The event kicks off at 10am and the lights will be switched on at 4pm after the Nairn Pipe Band welcome Santa back to the stage.
He will be joined by the winner of the Christmas bauble competition who will get the honour of pressing the big red button to switch on the lights.
“For a few years now, we have encouraged the youngsters across the town to make a bauble and bring it to our office at the Nairn Community & Arts Centre.” said Lucy.
“All of the names of the bauble makers get put into a hat and the winner is chosen at random.
“We need all entries in by Thursday, November 28.
“The kids’ baubles make a great display at the BID stall at the Saturday market and they can be claimed back then.
“This year Nairn BID is sharing it stall Mikey’s Line to help support this vital local charity”
The event also encourages local businesses to get involved and collaborate.
Some of the town’s businesses are taking stalls, others are spilling out onto the street and creating market day offers.
Bella Salon which is located on Forres Road is working alongside The Grapemonger by One One Two on the Brae.
Natalie Equi, owner of the salon said:
“We are excited to bring Bella Salon to the Brae this Christmas for a one-off festive pop-up shop with our good friends at The Grapemonger.
“People will be able to come and enjoy a warming mulled wine whilst browsing a range of gifts from a variety of stocking fillers and Dermalogica snow globes to limited edition, tailored Bella and Grapemonger hampers.”
The full event details can be found by clicking here
