GROUPS from across Peebles will be playing their part to ensure Peebles has a magical festive feel this Christmas.

The Callants, Ex-Cornets, Gutterbluids, and local residents will be giving up their time on successive Sunday's to put up the town's Christmas lights, ahead of the big switch-on on Thursday, December 5.

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News, Ann Snoddy, Secretary of Peebles Christmas Lights Association said: “ Preparations are going well, though it feels like we have to start earlier and earlier each year!

“We are a committee of just seven. We have had a lot of support from the Callants and the Gutterbluids Lads in Peebles. A broad cross-section of people from the town help us too. It's quite a challenge, but the weather has been in our favour this year, I must say.”

When the bells ring out at 6pm on the big day, the Christmas Market will get underway. This year, there will be 20 stalls in the centre of Peebles, offering a selection of items ideal for that special gift. There will be handmade bags, bouquets made out of sweets and many more unique items.

At 7.15, Santa and the Beltaine Queen are led by the Pipe Band, from the Parish Church to the steps of the Tontine Hotel in Peebles.

At 7.30, the lights are switched on by the Beltaine Queen and Santa. Radio Borders will present a live broadcast from the steps of the Tontine Hotel.

Speaking about some of the planning and organisational challenges with hosting an event of this scale, Anne said: “This year, Scottish Borders Council have tightened up on Health and Safety procedures. They are casting a much closer eye on health and safety risk assessments.

“This makes it tougher in some respects but they have been very supportive of what we are trying to do. They are very happy with our safety action plan, and we hope that everything is in place to make the day a special occasion for everyone in Peebles.”

Parking will be suspended on the High Street from 12pm on Thursday, December 5. The road closure will take effect 4pm at the High Street. That will be from the Parish Church to the Northgate.

At 6pm, the road closure extends into the Eastgate and extends as far as the Post Office, as the market, the funfair and late night shopping begins.

At 7.30, the lights are switched on by the Beltaine Queen. The night concludes at 9pm and the road reopens at 10pm.