BELTANE Queen Alice Bryce turned on the Christmas lights in Peebles.

And hundreds of well-wishers, young and old alike, braved the cold to show their support.

Many businesses stayed open late to celebrate the occasion, which included a special Christmas market and funfair.

A feast of festivities also included performances from Peebles Pipe Band and Peebles Silver Band, as well as an appearance from Santa himself.

Earlier Peebles Old Parish Church bells echoed across the town as the Bellringers kicked off the evening with a rendition of the popular carol: ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful.’ And the town was given an early Christmas present with the announcement that local health spa Stobo Castle has extended its sponsorship of the event until 2019. It had stepped in with a three year sponsorship deal last year after an application to Peebles Common Good Fund for financial assistance was rejected.

Peebles Christmas Lights Association Chairman David Elder said: “It is the best lights switch on we have ever had. There’s a great turnout and we have to thank everyone for their continued support - including the volunteers who help put up the lights.” A carnival atmosphere filled the town centre which was sealed off to traffic and replaced with a Christmas market and all the fun of the fair.

Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band led Santa along the High Street on his sleigh before the lights were switched on to mark the official countdown to Christmas.

And many businesses opened late to join in the festivities.

Mary Mackay, from the Northgate art gallery, said: “There’s a lovely buzz this evening and we have had a steady stream of customers.” Villeneuve Wines proprietor Kenny Vannan agreed. He said: “I’m normally open till 8pm but will stay open tonight as there’s such a great atmosphere. It is really good for the town and we have been busy because there are so many people about.” The Christmas Lights Association set up their own fundraising stall at the event - and admitted the feedback on this year’s Christmas lights had been fantastic.

Secretary Anne Snoddy said: “We are delighted that we have such a perfect night after last year when the high winds caused so many problems. The only slight downside is that Scottish Borders Council would not let us have the road closure up to the Post Office as that part of the street looks a bit empty.” But Patricia Robb, at A.S. Robb the newsagents, said: “The road closure not extending as far as us has not helped us this year, but we’ve been busier than usual.” The main praise though was reserved for Mr Elder. Lights Association vice-chairman John Swanson said: “David has done a tremendous amount of extra work, making up bits and pieces, he’s already planning next year and thinking about how we can extend the show.”