Kilmarnock Christmas lights are switched on

Dec 5 2008 by Lorraine Waddell, Kilmarnock Standard

KILMARNOCK town centre was turned into a winter wonderland on Sunday as the start of the festive season was hailed with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

KILMARNOCK town centre was turned into a winter wonderland on Sunday as the start of the festive season was hailed with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Kicking off the action was the Kilmarnock Pipe Band who paraded from the Galleon Centre up to the Cross which provided the focus of the action.

The band were accompanied by the Killie cheerleaders and Nutz the Squirrel.

Pop Idol star Michelle McManus took to the stage before and after the light switch-on with a great show including O Holy Night, Caledonia and a cover of Amy Winehouse’s version of Valerie.

And there was a real Scottish feel to the celebrations as it fell on St Andrew’s day.

On offer during the festivities were a variety of traditional treats including haggis soup made by Brownings the Bakers and a hog roast.

Provost Stephanie Young flicked the light switch just after 4.30pm to illuminate the town.