VOLUNTEERS will be doing the majority work to put up the Christmas lights in Peebles over the next two Sundays.

The Peebles Christmas Lights Association is indebted to the help from Callants, Ex-Cornets, Gutterbluids, and residents who should meet at the Tontine Square at 9am.

The big switch on with market stalls and late night shopping is on Thursday, December 4.

Beltane Queen Alice Bryce and a well known figure in red and white will switch on the lights at 7.30pm.

The organisers appreciate the use again of the Tontine Hotel with the steps and square again being the focal point for the ceremony.

The High Street and Eastgate will be closed to traffic from 4pm to 10pm and the big night gets underway at 6pm with Peebles Bellringers.

The MC this year is Radio Borders DJ Gregor Runciman who will entertain the crowds in the vicinity of the Tontine Hotel.

The Christmas market stalls open at 7pm with late night shopping in the High Street, School Brae, Northgate and Old Town.

There will be a funfair in the High Street from 6.30pm and Inchorus and Strumash, a ukulele band, will entertain during the evening (times to be confirmed) Local bands will also play a part with, Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band escorting Santa’s Sleigh to the Tontine Square at 7.15pm. Peebles Burgh Silver Band will perform in various parts of the town.

Fundraising is a very important activity for the Christmas Lights association and a coffee morning in the Rugby Club is now being followed up by the sale of Advent calendars, Christmas cards and Christmas baubles. Some or all are available to purchase from: Whitie’s, Pennel’s Close, High Street, Peebles; Tony Storey, High Street Peebles; Tontine Hotel, High Street Peebles; Elmbank Printing, Elcho Street Brae Peebles; Stobo Castle, Stobo; Kingsland School staff, Neidpath Road, Peebles.

PCLA would like to thank all the above outlets for their invaluable assistance in stocking these items in the run up to Christmas.

The Christmas items will also be available for sale at the Bridge Christmas Market in the Burgh Hall tomorrow (Saturday, November 15) and at the “Big Switch On Market” on Thursday, December 4 or can be ordered through any of the PCLA committee.

The continued support of main sponsor So Stobo has been instrumental in adding to and improving the display and they are sure you will be thrilled by the newest additions for the coming festive season.

Volunteers to assist in maintenance, erection and dismantling of the lights as well as in support roles are always welcome as are the donations to the coffers. Please contact secretary, Anne Snoddy, Peebles Christmas Lights Associationhttp://www.peebles-theroyalburgh.info/peebles-christmas-lights-association