Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 4 December 2000 For Use: Immediately

Christmas Lights Switch On

Stornoway and Tarbert will be lit up by Christmas lights and decorations over the forthcoming holiday season creating a truly festive atmosphere thanks to the work of local amenity organisations, local businesses and funding from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The singer/songwriter Dougie Maclean will be turning on the Stornoway Christmas display at 7.00pm on Thursday 7th December in Perceval Square Car Park at what will be the biggest switch on ceremony to date.

The Convener of the Comhairle, Mr. Alex MacDonald, said:

"I am delighted that for the third year running the Comhairle has been able to provide funding for Christmas decorations which make Stornoway and Tarbert such attractive places over the Christmas and New Year holiday season and add greatly to the enjoyment of what is a special time of year."

The Comhairle has donated £30,000 to the Stornoway Amenity Trust, Newton Residents' Association and Tarbert Residents' Association for the Christmas decorations, lights and trees in Stornoway and Tarbert.

As well as bands and singing, attractions at the Stornoway Switch On include Santa's Grotto, Disney Train, Bouncy Castles, Candy Floss, Emergency Vehicles and two showings of the popular children's film 'Chicken Run' in the New Pointers at 5.30pm and 8.00pm. Tickets for the film are available at £2 from the Community Education Office. Cafes and Stalls in the Town Centre will be open for the occasion whilst there will be face painting in the Baltic Book Shop.

The full programme for the Stornoway Switch On is as follows:

7.00pm - Pipe Band

7.10pm - Stornoway Primary Children's Choir

7.20pm - Presentation of Stornoway At Christmas Display and Children's Art Competition Winners

7.27pm - Convener's Message

7.30pm - Switching On Christmas Lights - Dougie Maclean

7.30pm - Shops Open

7.35pm - Community Christmas Carol Singing

7.45pm - Christmas Reading

7.50 pm - Dougie Maclean

8.05pm - Sandwick Primary School Choir

8.20pm - Highland Dancing

8.30pm - Salvation Army Brass Band

8.40pm - Saw Mill Band

Ends

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