Johnstone lights up for Christmas

Johnstone is getting into the festive spirit with the countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch On.

The town centre will come alive this Saturday with a host of festive fun from 12pm before Depute Provost Cathy McEwan performs the big light up at 5pm.

She will be joined by lucky competition winner, Tilly Shearon aged 8 from St Anthony’s Primary School in Johnstone, who designed a winning Christmas card in the Provost’s annual competition.

The event comes as Paisley bids to be named UK City of Culture 2021 and is itself part of the town’s Winter Events programme.

Depute Provost McEwan said: “I’m looking forward to coming along to perform the annual Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch On and meeting the local community who always turn out in force.

“This event is great fun and marks the start of the festive season. It’s a firm favourite on the events calendar.”

Boys and girls can make sure that their list reached the North Pole, with Santa ready to field festive requests.

He will arrive to the event in style on a vintage Fire Engine.

Festive shoppers can snap up the perfect gifts with a brace of yuletide markets, with Christmas trees also available to purchase from Gowanlea Murseries.

St Vincent’s Hospice hosts a Town Hall market, while Johnstone Business Consortium will also have a Christmas Market running in Houston Square from 10am-5pm.

A magician will be on hand to entertain the younger customers and a funfair in the square will provide thrills.

Other fun includes face painters and stilt walkers, with circus workshops.

Visitors should note that Houstoun Square Road will be closed to traffic on the day.

For more details and information go to: http://www.paisley2021.co.uk/events