A HOST of musical talent and family-friendly activities are planned for the Christmas lights switch-on in Dumbarton and Alexandria this week.

Both events will have a children’s funfair, balloon modelling, Disney characters and giveaways, while Your Radio’s Gary Marshall will be keeping everyone entertained as MC.

Award-winning Balloch singer-songwriter Rachelle Rhienne is performing, while Alexandria music school Singer Station and 11-year-old Lauren Hunter will appear to sing Light The World For You, the ROHHAD Association charity single Lauren wrote inspired by brother Aaron, who suffers from a rare potentially life-threatening condition.

Glasgow-based musicians Emily Middlemas, 100 Fables, and magician Scott Cuthbertson will also be appearing on stage, while Ayr-based singer Nicola Cassells, Cumbernauld’s Ally McNeilly and up-and-coming Dunblane singer Ryan Alexander will be making the journey to West Dunbartonshire to be part of the show.

In Dumbarton, Ben View Resource Centre is holding its annual Santa Dash with 1k, 5k and 10k races available on the day of the lights switch-on this Sunday.

The dash takes place at Levengrove Park at 2.30pm, but budding Santa sprinters are urged to sign up as soon as possible. Registration closes tomorrow.

The switch on festivities take place in the town’s High Street from 1.30-5.30pm with the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm.

The Alexandria lights switch-on runs to the same timetable on the previous day, this Saturday.

West Dunbartonshire leisure board member Councillor David McBride said: “As in previous years the line-up for our Christmas lights switch-on events looks fantastic, with something to appeal to all the family. I hope as many people as possible wrap up warm and join us to enjoy this special annual event, which so many residents look forward to each year.”

Cllr Lawrence O’Neill, vice-convener of the council’s housing, environment and economic development committee, added: “The Christmas lights switch-on events offer the ideal opportunity for communities and families to come together and celebrate. Our staff work hard to put together an impressive programme for everyone to enjoy year upon year, and 2015 is no exception.”