FAMILIES flocked in their hundreds to Alexandria and Dumbarton at the weekend to see the Christmas seasons start off in style with the switching-on of spectacular displays of festive lights.

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust organised two fantastic afternoons of entertainment in Alexandria on Saturday and in Dumbarton on Sunday to get everyone into the festive spirit before darkness fell ahead of the big switch-on.

The stars of the show for many present in Dumbarton on Sunday were the members of the Alexandria-based Singer Station School of Music, two of whom – with a little help from favourite Disney characters such as Olaf the snowman and Woody from Toy Story – pressed the big button to bathe the centre of the town in a captivating display of Christmas lights.

On-stage musical entertainment also included Ed Sheeran and Rod Stewart tribute acts, courtesy of Darrell Muldoon and Richie Hagan respectively, as well as Scottish music legend Christian, the ‘Bavariations’ German music duo, and up-and-coming Scottish singer Roberta Childs.

And there was a big queue of children eager to visit Santa in his grotto to share the secrets of what they want to see in their stockings come Christmas morning.

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “It was great to see both Alexandria and Dumbarton packed with families getting into the festive spirit over the weekend at the Christmas light switch-on events.

“The on-stage entertainment was a big success, and Santa’s grotto was particularly popular.

“These events are the perfect way to start the countdown to Christmas and we thank the local communities for supporting them.”