Hundreds turn out for winter festival parade

Lerwick was packed tonight as hundreds turned out to watch the first Winter Festival parade and Christmas lights switch-on  in the town.

A family parade, with bairns from Peerie Foxes nursery led the way waving wands.

Behind them Lerwick brass band, the Up-Helly-A’ Jarl’s squad and Father Christmas marched along “Da Street” with bands of festive lights switching on as they marched past.

The event, organised by Living Lerwick Ltd, proved popular and many of the revellers appeared to be visiting the town’s shops and cafes, bringing an early “Christmas rush” to the town centre.

Directors of Living Lerwick were also out handing out sweets to the youngsters. Speaking before the event project co-ordinator Christina Irvine said she hoped it wold bring life back to the street. It certainly did that.

Full report and more photographs in next Friday’s Shetland Times.