Fun and music is assured at festive lights switch-on

Nov 20 2008 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THE countdown to Christmas will get underway on Sunday when the Christmas lights will be switched in Hamilton town centre.

A fantastic programme packed full of fun for all the family will take place from 1pm before the big lights switch-on.

South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie with a little help from Santa Claus will switch on the lights at 5pm.

Shock jock Scottie McClue, from L107 radio station, will get people in the festive mood when he hosts an afternoon of top entertainment for everyone.

One of the shows sure to appeal to younger members of the audience is “High School Holidays".

This is a fully choreographed interactive show featuring all the big songs from Disney's High School Musicals 1 and 2.

The Elaine Wedlock School of Dance will also be performing on the day.

Whipping the crowd into a frenzy with a selection of their best-known tunes will be a Proclaimers tribute act, Proclaymores, who look and sound just like the real thing!

Appealing to the disco divas will be Abba tribute act Abba Cadabra.

Featuring stunning musicianship, dazzling costumes and lots of tongue-in-cheek humour, their act will help everyone relive the magic of Abba, Sweden's number one musical export.

And Big Rory and Ochi the Dog will mingle with the crowds and keep everyone entertained with their cheeky banter and visually-stunning act.

Eight-foot tall illuminated stilt-walking fairies will also be engaging the audience, sprinkling snow, wishes and smiles as they go!

A versatile Victorian-style family entertainer, who walks on a giant 6ft ball, juggles, appears on stilts and as various characters, will also be there to keep the crowd entertained.

Also on hand for the youngsters will be face-painters, balloon modellers and airbrush tattoo artists.

For older children and adults, the airbrush tattoo artists uses six-colour American systems that are capable of producing spectacular and intricate designs.

A Laser Light Show and Fire Act will add to the visual spectacle of the day.

Councillor Chris Thomson, chairman of South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Resources Committee, said: "I hope as many people as possible will go along and help us celebrate what has become a hugely successful and enjoyable event.

"There is a real family atmosphere in the town during the switch-on celebrations and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Councillor Thomson added: “The programme is jam-packed with fun entertainers and musicians and I am sure it will be a great success."