Hundreds of people braved the cold to turn out to see the Blairgowrie Christmas Lights switched on last Saturday.
The lights at Rattray Cross were switched on at 3pm and then the parade, let by Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band made its way to the Wellmeadow, with Santa in his sleigh. The Blairgowrie parade was led by the Blairgowrie and Rattray Junior Marching Drum Corps.
At the Wellmeadow there was singing from the Lyric Choir and from local school children, led by Rattray Primary School headteacher Brenda Kerr, who switched on the lights.
Speaking to the Blairie, Mrs Kerr said: “It is an absolute honour to be invited to switch the lights on and I am delighted to be here today. It is also great to see the community coming out to support this event. There are lots of children here today, which is very important.”
Keith Davidson from the Blairgowrie Illuminations Committee was also delighted with the turnout. He said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers who have made today the success it was. I would also like to thank Mrs Kerr for switching on the lights and for leading the children in the sing-along.
“This has been one of the biggest turnouts in years, which is fantastic, and it is great to see so many new people involved in the Illuminations Committee now as well.”
Councillor Bob Ellis thanked the volunteers as well. He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the Illuminations Committee for all the hard work they have put in over the last couple of months, which has ensured that the Wellmeadow has hosted another great event for the East Perthshire community.”
Jim Bradley, chairman of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, said: “This is one of the biggest events in our calendar and it was great to see so many kids here today.’’
