THOUSANDS of people gathered in George Square on Sunday evening to enjoy the city’s Christmas lights switch-on.
The event, organised by Glasgow Loves Christmas, saw thousands of people gather in the city centre to mark the start of the city’s festive celebrations.
From 4.30pm, around 10,600 ticket holders gathered at the square to enjoy musical acts and theatre stars before the lights were switched on at 7pm.
Chris Mackie and his daughter Sienna, 6, donned their best festive clothing and travelled to the city centre from Toryglen to enjoy the event.
Chris, 48, said: “It’s brilliant to be here because we’ve not had the tickets for years.
“Sienna is dying to see Santa.”
Cheryl Murray and her daughters Cami, 13, and Rachel, 6, were excited to attend the lights switch-on for the first ever time.
Cheryl, from Hamilton, said: “We’re excited to see the lights because they always so pretty and with it being a ballot you’re lucky to get tickets so it feels extra special to be here.”
The 37-year-old laughed: “And Cami’s excited to see George Bowie on the stage.”
Tracy and Francis Duncan, from Springburn, were excited to make special memories with their son Connor who is just six months old.
Tracy, 39, explained: “When we got tickets we were so excited because it’s Connor’s first Christmas.
“We’re excited for the experience and making great memories.”
Francis, 42, added: “It was our first time trying and first time getting it.”
Stephanie McGurn, from Maryhill, attended the event with her partner Ryan Breslin, 32, and son Max for the first time since she was a child.
It was three-year-old Max’s first time getting to see the lights switched on.
The 31-year-old said: “I’ve not been since I was a child and this is Max’s first time getting tickets so I think he’s looking forward to it and this is our first Christmas event this year.
“We can’t wait to see the lights and the performers will be good as well.”
Stephanie Heenan, 32, was lucky enough to attend the event for the second year in a row with son Charlie, 1, and partner Darryl McBride, 32.
Stephanie, from Springburn, said: “We were here last year and it was amazing so to get the tickets again was brilliant.
“It feels brilliant to be here, it was a lot colder last year but the weather’s better this year so it’s good.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the acts on the stage and the light switch-on itself.”
Hayley Cluness, from Clydebank, says it was “magical” to be able to attend the event for the first time ever.
She took along three-year-old daughter Grace Parker and son Charlie, 2.
The 30-year-old said: “I’ve always wanted to come even before I had kids and this is the first time I’ve managed to come so its magical.
“We’re looking most forward to the light switch-on and getting in the Christmas spirit.”
Steffany McGeachin, 29, and partner Kane Cameron, 32, were looking forward to getting pictures at the event with nine-week-old daughter Nora.
Steffany, from Rutherglen, said: “We've never been before it was my step mum that had the tickets and last minute couldn't come so we invited our friend with us because she's been really helpful since we had the baby.
“We're very excited to see the lights switch on especially because it’s Nora’s first Christmas.
“She won't remember is but it's nice for us to get pictures.”
Dancers Michelle and Teeny, from Made Dance Entertainment, were spreading festive cheer at the event once again.
Michelle said: “It’s so much fun, we’ve been here for the last couple of years and it’s just so exciting to be back.
“It seems so much busier than last year and the weather’s held out so it’s absolutely brilliant.
“We’re excited to see all the kids faces getting so excited and getting in the Christmas spirit.”
The Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch-on was hosted by Clyde 1 presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, and saw performers including Michelle McManus take to the stage.
Michelle performed her new Christmas single Christmas Glow to the crowd, while Treasure Islands cast members from the Pavillion Theatre got the crowd singing Ye Cannae Shove Yer Granny Aff A Bus.
Event-goers also enjoyed performances from Simply Ariana, an Ariana Grande tribute act, and country singer-songwriter Kevin McGuire among others.
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