Christmas lights switch on kickstarts festive celebrations in Glasgow

A joyous switch-on of the Christmas lights took place in George Square last night, signalling the start of the festive season for many in Glasgow and beyond.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 18 November 2024 8:42

The much-loved celebration, which also saw the iconic City Chambers illuminated in a state-of-the-art, lighting and projection show, launched the city’s 2024 winter festivities.

Almost 10,000 lucky ticket holders were treated to a packed programme of entertainment, including a rousing set by Scottish singer songwriter Nathan Evans and the SAINT PHNX BAND who are about to release a new album. The cast of the Pavilion’s panto Beauty and the Beastie enthralled the crowds and enjoyed live music from Soul Nation Choir and On Repeat.

Bowie@Breakfast presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie hosted the event which saw the Lord Provost and Clyde 1 competition winners Reighgan 15 and Rudi 11 Thomson pressed the magic button, bringing the night to a luminous conclusion as the twinkling lights shone out across the square.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “The city lights switch-on signals the start of the festive season. It’s a hugely popular family friendly event that never loses its magic. Capturing the essence and excitement of Christmas – whatever age you are.”

George Bowie added: “It feels like the countdown to Christmas really has begun after another brilliant Christmas Lights Switch On, with the wonderful people of Glasgow. Cassi and I love this event and a special thank you Glasgow Life for inviting us to get involved every year, we wouldn’t miss it.”

Cassi Gillespie co-host of Bowie@Breakfast added: “It’s such a brilliant festive event to be part of and it just keeps getting better and better. As well as the fantastic crowd I thought our old friends Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX were superb. A big shout out also goes to the Beauty and the Beastie cast, Soul Nation Choir On Repeat and of course our Clyde 1 winners.”

Competition winner Reighgan Thomson said: “That was the most, magical, marvellous night ever, I loved it, now I can’t wait to Christmas.”

Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on symbolises the start of the countdown to Christmas for many in the city. With the fairy lights twinkling overhead people will return to the city centre for other family favourites, including Winterfests in George Square and St Enoch’s Square, the Style Mile Christmas Carnival and Santa Dash.

Visitors can marvel at the City Chambers, which will be illuminated with a state-of-the-art lighting and 360-degree laser projection show. Every evening, a mesmerising 30-minute light show will repeat from 3.30pm until 10pm, featuring six different themes inspired by the North Pole, an enchanting Elves Workshop, playful themes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Santa and his reindeer, and classic snowy landscapes. Rotating snowflakes and vibrant lollipop swirls will also paint the City Chambers in a wash of colour. Designed to highlight the unique architecture of the building, this display promises to capture Glasgow’s festive spirit.

There will also be interactive buttons on the lampposts outside the City Chambers on George Square that will allow people to light up the pavement with candy canes, snowflakes and reindeer hooves, creating an immersive experience that will bring joy to all who visit.

For more details on Glasgow Loves Christmas visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk

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