West end set to sparkle as Christmas market and light switch on announced for this weekend

The nights are getting darker, you’ve looked out your scarf and Strictly is taking over your weekend, yes it’s that time already... The West End Christmas Lights Switch On is coming to town!

Article Source: Visit West End - Byres Road & Lanes
Last Updated: 20 November 2023 12:46

Mark Sunday 26th November in your diaries as this annual festive favourite is back.

From 12 midday, Vinicombe Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland with stalls and festive live musical performances from local bands, choirs and buskers.

Presenter and DJ Josie Smith will be joined by Bella Beatson, the mascot from the Beatson Cancer Charity, to light up the Christmas tree at 5.30pm.

Performers include talented vocalist Sabrina Mandulu and country band, Rose Swan & Rex Hopper.

Shoppers can browse the festive market for THE perfect gifts and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

Stallholders are Janet & John, Ziri, The Alchemy Experiment, Black Cat Alternative, Taste Spain, Hillhead Bookclub, Papyrus, Hairy Paws and Trios.

In Ruthven Lane, the kids can enjoy free face-painting provided by Fab ‘n’ Funky Faces. Let their imaginations run wild. Be a penguin, a reindeer or even the Grinch!

While you’re there, why not discover the many hidden gems in the surrounding streets, finishing at Ruthven Mews Arcade. From beautiful jewellery to antiques, you’ll find something for everyone in the surrounding shops. The whole of Byres Road will be bustling with stores offering festive offers and treats.

Maisie Hamilton, Beatson Cancer Charity’s community fundraising manager, said: “Beatson Cancer Charity is delighted to be working in partnership again with Visit West End, the Byres Road and Lanes Bid.

“Our mascot Bella Beatson will be making a star appearance to turn on the Christmas Lights and our fantastic team of volunteers will be doing collections throughout the day and selling Christmas cards.

“Thanks to the support from Visit West End, Beatson Cancer Charity can continue to provide vital funding to patient and family support services, plus a range of specialist posts including nursing, radiography, physics and research-based staff as well as additional staff training and development.”

Presenter and DJ, Josie Smith, said:“To my mind there’s no more vibrant and eclectic area within which to shop and socialise, than Glasgow’s West End.

I’m really looking forward to returning to host this year’s Christmas Tree Light Switch-On. We’ll be showcasing an exceptional variety of talented local music acts on the main stage, ahead of counting down to illuminating the tree for 2023!

See you there!”

Crafted by the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District, the organisation behind Visit West End, their Christmas tree light switch on is bringing together local businesses, festive fun, incredible gifts and entertainment to shine the fairy lights on what you can find locally this Christmas.

John Turner, Chair of the Byres Road & Lanes BID Company Ltd, said: "Goodness how time flies! I can't believe that it is time once again for the Vinicombe Street Christmas event, with music from local artists, market stalls from local businesses and the lighting up of the West End's Christmas tree at 5.30pm.

It is always a fantastic time, officially marking the start of the Festive season in the West End

So come along and join the fun, we look forward to seeing you there!"

Keep updated, on the stallholders, acts and performance times by following us on;

Facebook: VisitWestEndGlasgow
Instagram: @visitwestend
X: Visit_WestEnd

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