Town centre prepares for lights switch on

Santa leads the procession along Commercial Street watched by the crowd enjoying the festivities. Photo: Chris Brown

The festive season is taking shape in the town centre with a big Christmas light switch on parade planned for tomorrow.

A large Norwegian Christmas tree is also taking centre stage at the Market Cross after being bought by town centre businesses – through Living Lerwick – who have decorated it with new lights funded by the town’s community council.

Five smaller trees will also take pride of place at The Shetland Times Bookshop, Harrison Square and Harry’s Department Store. The trees will be in planters made locally by students on the council’s Bridges project.

Businesses in the town centre are getting their festive window displays ready. They will be competing for the title of best Christmas-themed window display.

A public vote will open from Saturday until Monday 7th December.

The Christmas light switch-on parade will kick off with Santa arriving at Victoria Pier on the lifeboat to lead the parade at 3.30pm. The Peerie Foxes nursery bairns will follow Santa and switch on the Christmas lights with their magic wands as they pass.

This year’s Jarl Squad will be out as part of the parade and the brass band will provide music as the parade progresses.

The parade starts at Victoria Pier, travels up Church Road, turns into Commercial Street, down Burns Walk, along the Esplanade and finishes up at the Market Cross, where the lights will be switched on. Road closures will be in place.

Most of the town centre businesses have extended opening hours. There are also events and special offers available from the shops.