The Big Dumfries Lights Switch-on happens today (Friday 17th)! Mark Smith, co-ordinator of the event, revealed the exciting news that Dalscone Farm’s donkeys will be there through the afternoon. Fresh from the media storm following their adoption of Fiona, the world’s loneliest sheep, Farmer Pete and Farmer Ben will be celebrating Christmas with donkeys just like Mary rode to the stable in Bethlehem.
Alive Radio’s Lee Medd will host the crowds on the Plainstanes from 3pm, with performances from dance groups, the Theatre Royal, Road Runner and the Synergy Choir. Guid Nychburris host, John Caskie will be introducing children’s choirs from Troqueer and St Andrew’s primary schools, plus the River of Life ‘Kids Church’, in the Loreburne Centre, from 5pm. There’ll be fairground rides in Queensberry Square and walk about artists. Queen of the South FC and Solway Sharks ice hockey players will be inviting people to try their skills.
Winners of the schools bauble design competition, Aria (P3) from New Abbey Primary and Mylee (P7) from Kirkbean Primary will be hitting the switch at 6.30pm. Then Santa and Dumfries Town Band will lead the crowds to launch the Lights of Hope, which will develop during December. The Lights of Hop Torch Procession will enable everyone to bring glowing lights to the Whitesands, recognising that many people find the dark winter nights hard to cope with.
A finale at the Plainstanes, with D.J. Connor Nelson will polish the event off with a bang around 7pm!
