Festive fun this weekend as Christmas lights are turned on in Dumbarton and Alexandria

Alexandria’s big switch on will take place on Main Street on Saturday, November 24, while Dumbarton’s event will take place on the High Street on Sunday, November 25. Both events will begin at 1.30pm, with the lights being switched on at 5.30pm.

The festivities promise to be a great family day out with entertainment for children, free face painting and a range of live music.

Crowds will be entertained by tributes to Rod Stewart, Ed Sheeran and Freddie Mercury, as well as performances by local group ScotSoul, who made the final of BBC’s singing contest Pitch Battle, and dance singer Roberta Childs.

And no Christmas event would be complete without the chance to visit Santa in his grotto, who will be there for photo opportunities and to receive hand-delivered letters.

Charlie Gibson, chair of West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year and these events are a great way to bring the community together to have fun.

“So come along, bring your friends and family, and get yourself into the Christmas spirit as we build up to the big switch on.”

Councillor Iain McLaren added: “We have such a great line up of entertainment this year, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Dumbarton and Alexandria.”

Roads will be closed in Alexandria and Dumbarton while the Christmas parades are taking place.

Diversions will be in place in Alexandria on Saturday, November 24 and Dumbarton on Sunday, November 25.

In Alexandria, restrictions will be in place on part of Main Street, from Bank Street to 30m south of Overton Street, and on Overton Street itself between 8am and 10pm on Saturday.

And on Sunday, closures in Dumbarton town centre will be in effect along the full length of Quay Street and on part of High Street, from the eastern junction with Riverside Lane to the junction with Risk Street.

For more information, including diversion routes, visit bit.ly/ChristmasParades18.