NORTH Berwick is gearing up for its Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday, with a host of events for the whole family to enjoy.

Groups across the town have organised a range of activities, including a parade, music and a chance to get your shopping done for the festive season.

From 10am until 5pm, festive events will take place at a variety of locations across the town.

At the Hope Rooms, the North Berwick Art Collective opens its doors at 2pm for a festive preview that’s sure to ignite your holiday spirit.

Abbey Church will host social enterprise Herbspace, inviting visitors to indulge in delectable food and drink at its sale in the large hall.

Meanwhile, the Wee Artists will showcase a children’s art exhibition in the small hall.

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From noon to 4pm in the Abbey Church atrium, children can enjoy free drop-in face painting, crafting and letter writing to Santa.

North Berwick Youth Project will serve up complimentary refreshments for all.

North Berwick Day Centre will host a craft fair from 10am, for those seeking unique holiday gifts and treasures.

The Art Of The Possible art collective will hold an art sale at St Andrew Blackadder Church from 9am to 5pm.

Local businesses will have special Christmas offers to help kick start the shopping season.

“Evening Enchantment” will then take place from 5.30pm, as North Berwick High Street is set to come alive.

This starts with the parade, hosted by Jay Crawford and boasting performances by the North Berwick Pipe Band, Dunedin dancers, Freedom and Form dancers, Drama Mill performers, local heroes, the Sister Sister and Gospel choirs.

There may also be a chance for a visit by Santa Claus himself.

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At 6pm, the switch-on ceremony takes centre stage.

As the town’s Christmas lights illuminate, a collective holiday singalong takes place at 6.15pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring along their festive jumpers, brightest lights and loudest singing voices.

Businesses around the town have also dressed their windows to get into the festive spirit.

The Best Dressed Window winner will be crowned after being determined by the window photo with the most ‘likes’ on the North Berwick at Christmas Facebook page.

The winner will receive a trophy during the evening ceremony.

Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council, is hoping a large crowd will come out and enjoy the occasion.

He said: “We are so excited to be running a Christmas lights switch-on event for the first time for a few years.

“Post-Covid, staging this type of event has become much more complicated.

“The fact that it is happening is a tribute to the hard work of the volunteers who organised it, and to those who have helped to fund it.

“We really hope that people come and enjoy this event to get Christmas off to a great start.”

Residents are to be aware that there will be a range of road closures during the event.

Market Place and the east end of High Street up to the junction with Church Road will be closed from 5pm to 7pm. Parking in this area will be suspended from 4.30pm to 7pm.

A brief 15-minute closure at approximately 5.25pm will affect Quality Street from the Lodge Grounds to the entry to High Street, as parade participants move between the areas.

Residents on High Street are to note that music will be played between 5.30pm and 6.30pm via a PA system.