South Ayrshire set to sparkle this festive season as Little Stars Light up Ayr

It's that time of year again where we start to think about all things festive - and that means Christmas lights!  We can't wait to see the fantastic light displays that bring some festive cheer to the long winter nights.

Our towns and villages are set to be aglow from mid-November and it all kicks off with our 'Little Stars Light up Ayr' event in Ayr Town Centre on Sunday 20 November, from 12.00noon - 5.00pm.

There will be free activities and attractions on offer for all the family to enjoy including a fabulous dance extravaganza; festive face painting; stage entertainment from local, talented 'Little Stars' and some great musical street entertainment.

To continue the celebration of Scotland's Year of Stories, younger children will be able to enjoy festive story-telling sessions in our Kid's Zone.  This is part of our Once Upon a Time in South Ayrshire programme of events, which is supported by EventScotland.

The High Street will be festooned with a range of acts and performers including stilt walkers, jugglers and Fabulous Fraser with his balloon modelling.

Children (and grown-ups) will also be able to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season by taking a ride on Santa's Express Train along the High Street and visiting the Giant Christmas Wish Tree and Giant Chair, just a short stroll from The Wallace Tower.

Santa himself is even planning to make an appearance!  He'll be welcoming visitors in his grotto at Nile Court from 1.00pm - 4.30pm.

The Grain Exchange will host a wonderful Christmas market full of local traders with some great Christmas shopping options. 

There will even be a Christmas Funfair on the High Street for the thrill seekers out there.

We're also introducing a new attraction this year - our Snow Globe.  This free experience will be located in the town's Newmarket Street.  You'll be able to step inside the magical snow globe and create some wonderful memories with a photo opportunity that's not to be missed!

All this comes before the main event - the big switch on.  Prepare to be dazzled as the skies in Ayr Town Centre become illuminated as the festive light displays are turned on for the first time this year at 5.00pm.

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "Like many local people, I always look forward to seeing the annual festive light displays and our Little Stars Light Up Ayr event will help get the festive season off to a great start.

"This exciting event will most definitely bring a buzz to Ayr town centre.  I'm sure there will be many families already looking forward to coming along to soak up the atmosphere and delight in a fantastic range of entertainment and activities in the run up to the big switch on."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly said: "Little Stars Light Up Ayr is the perfect event to bring people together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season. 

"It's been a tough couple of years and families deserve this opportunity to relax and enjoy the large range of attractions and activities on offer, which will no doubt entice both locals and visitors into the area."

You can expect to see Christmas lights across South Ayrshire from late November and details on Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick and Troon's switch on events can be found at https://destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/south-ayrshire-christmas