The atmosphere will be electric in the countdown to Christmas, with festive lights being switched on within towns and villages across East Dunbartonshire.
A feast of Yuletide events will be taking place locally - organised by communities, traders and local groups - and supported by the Council.
Switch-on celebrations take place in Bearsden, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie on Saturday 30 November, with charges suspended for the full day in all seven of the Council's fee-levying car parks.
The car parks (in Bearsden, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie) will also be free on the following three Saturdays - December 7, 14 and 21.
To get you in the seasonal mood, Mugdock Country Park will be hosting a Christmas Fun Day on Saturday 23 November, from 11.30am-5.30pm - including lights switch-on, a chance to visit Santa in his log cabin, elf slime-making workshop (please pre-book), magic show, children's light parade, funfair and more. Visit www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk, call 0141 956 610 or visit www.facebook.com/mugdockcountrypark to book and for full details.
Mugdock will also be hosting its annual panto, which this year is Sleeping Beauty - by Fizzgig Theatre (30 November to 30 December).
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, "There will be a feast of switch-on events and celebrations taking place in the coming weeks as we count down the days to Christmas.
"I'm pleased the Council is once again working with a range of local organisations to support festive fun locally."
The latest switch-on times (please check locally for details of each event and any changes) are:
Location |
Date |
Time |
Organiser |
---|---|---|---|
Bishopbriggs |
Thursday 28 November 2019 |
5pm |
Bishopbriggs Community Council |
Lennoxtown |
Friday 29 November 2019 |
5pm |
Lennoxtown Primary PTA |
Milton of Campsie |
Friday 29 November 2019 |
5.45pm |
Milton Of Campsie Community Council |
Torrance |
Friday 29 November 2019 |
7pm |
Torrance Community Council |
Kirkintilloch |
Saturday 30 November 2019 |
5pm |
Regent Centre, Kirkintilloch |
Milngavie |
Saturday 30 November 2019 |
5pm |
Milngavie Business Improvement District |
Bearsden town centre |
Saturday 30 November 2019 |
6pm |
Bearsden traders and New Kilpatrick Parish Church |
Lenzie |
Saturday 7 December 2019 |
5.30pm |
Lenzie Community Council |
Keep an eye on the Council's social media for details of associated road restrictions.
In addition, local charity Creative Care - based at Brackenbrae House, Bishopbriggs - will once again be holding its popular Victorian Christmas events. This year they will take place on 30 November/1 December and 7/8 December, between 10am and 5pm - including a chance to meet Mr and Mrs Claus, Christmas crafts and more. There will also be carols by candlelight at the front door at 5pm on Sunday 8 December.
Councillor Hendry added, "These events help to bring people together to start the seasonal celebrations - supporting local retailers and hostelries into the bargain.
"I'm delighted to confirm that charges will be suspended in all seven Council car parks for the four Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas Day.
"I would encourage as many people as possible to shop local where possible - especially in the countdown to Christmas - helping to boost the local economy and support local jobs and businesses."
* Scotland’s Towns Week takes place from 18-24 November and Small Business Saturday is on 7 December - both of which aim to support town centres across the country. Visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com and www.scotlandstowns.org/scotlands-towns-week for more information.
* Please note, to ensure public safety the Council's community wardens will still be enforcing parking regulations and restrictions for any vehicles parked inappropriately (on-street and off-street) - including Blue Badge misuse - on the four Saturdays when charges are suspended.
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