Callander prepares for big festive switch-on with more than £20k raised

Callander is gearing up for a festive extravaganza as more than £22,000 has been raised to bring holiday cheer to the town. Residents are eagerly awaiting the big switch-on event, where the town will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Organisers Richard and Mary Johnson are busy finalising preparations for the event, which will feature an extended display of lights along Main Street. The lights in Ancaster Square have been renewed and will adorn the trees and buildings, with additional decorations including a Christmas tree and six new artificial trees.

Along Main Street, 30 lamp-posts will be adorned with wraparound lighting braids, creating a magical atmosphere from Station Road to Bracklinn Road. BEAR Scotland has been enlisted to upgrade the lamp-posts for safety, and a specialist company will install the lights. The festive celebrations will culminate in a switch-on festival on Saturday, November 30, featuring a parade led by two alpacas and Santa’s Sleigh departing from the Medical Centre at 3.30pm. Children in the parade will be given lanterns to carry to Ancaster Square, where Callander Brass will perform Christmas carols.

The fundraising effort for the new lights began in summer, with grants from local organisations contributing £17,000, a ‘sponsor a lamp-post’ scheme raising £4,000, and crowdfunding securing the final £1,000. Richard expressed gratitude towards the supportive residents and business owners who have backed the initiative, with a dedicated team of volunteers ready to assist with installing the lights and ensuring a successful switch-on event. The town is eagerly anticipating the festive season, with a sense of community spirit and generosity prevalent as they prepare to spread joy and light up the holiday season.

In summary, the town of Callander is bustling with excitement as preparations are underway for the annual festive switch-on event. With over £22,000 raised, the town is set to shine brightly with extended light displays and a series of celebratory events leading up to the holiday season. The community’s generosity and support have been instrumental in bringing the festive spirit to life, showcasing the town’s unity and dedication to creating a truly magical winter wonderland for all to enjoy.