Crowds gather for Christmas tree switch-on in Glasgow

Vinicombe Street was lit up this afternoon as a festive market appeared with performers and stalls in the area.

The community watched the heart of the West End be transformed into a winter wonderland as the annual lights switch-on returned this weekend.

Host Josie Smith with Bella Bee from the Beatson (Image: Newsquest)

This included food and drink as well as live music from local bands, choirs and buskers to accompany the Christmas cheer from 12pm midday on Sunday, November 26.

Performers included Sabrina Mandulu and country band Rose Swan & Rex Hopper, while guests can browse gifts at stalls by Janet & John, Ziri, The Alchemy Experiment, Black Cat Alternative, Taste Spain, Hillhead Bookclub, Papyrus, Hairy Paws and Trios.

The Christmas tree countdown saw everyone cheer as it was lit up at 5.30pm with help from DJ and presenter Josie Smith and the Beatson Cancer Charity's mascot, Bella Beatson.

West end Xmas tree switch on at Vinicombe Street welcomes Glasgow University Traditional Band (Image: Robert Perry)

Crowds turned out for the festive cheer (Image: Robert Perry)

We previously reported how Josie said: “To my mind, there’s no more vibrant and eclectic area within which to shop and socialise, than Glasgow’s West End.

Maisie Hamilton, Beatson’s community fundraising manager, added: “Beatson Cancer Charity is delighted to be working in partnership again with Visit West End, the Byres Road and Lanes Bid.

"Our mascot Bella Beatson made a star appearance to turn on the Christmas Lights and our fantastic team of volunteers will be doing collections throughout the day and selling Christmas cards.

“Thanks to the support from Visit West End, Beatson Cancer Charity can continue to provide vital funding to patient and family support services, plus a range of specialist posts including nursing, radiography, physics and research-based staff as well as additional staff training and development.”

Catherine Cooke from Bishopbriggs with Anja Henshall, left, (7) and Marsaili Martin (7) (Image: Robert Perry)

The event aims to bring together local businesses to celebrate the community and has been organised by the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District (BID), the firm behind Visit West End.

Chair John Turner said: "Goodness how time flies!

"I can't believe that it is time once again for the Vinicombe Street Christmas event, with music from local artists, market stalls from local businesses and the lighting up of the West End's Christmas tree at 5.30pm.

"It is always a fantastic time, officially marking the start of the Festive season in the West End.”