There will be nothing Scrooge-like about Ellon’s Christmas celebrations this year after the community proclaimed: Let there be lights.
Residents and businesses in the Aberdeenshire town were left dismayed when it emerged the festive event might be cancelled due to the town’s community council folding.
Every year, the popular ceremony attracts hundreds of visitors to the north-east town from all over Scotland.
Once the number of Ellon Community Council members fell to just eight, the remaining community council members resigned, leaving the future of the annual parade, fireworks exhibition and Christmas light show uncertain.
However, in response to the announcement that Christmas could be cancelled, the Ellon community rallied to offer their support.
And now Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed the beloved event will go ahead as planned.
The local authority is currently working with Ellon Events, Ellon Traders, Ellon Rotary Club, local councillors and many volunteers to make sure this Christmas will be as special as ever.
Councillor Rob Merson, the chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine Area Committee said: “It is no surprise that there has been so much support and goodwill in the community to ensure Ellon doesn’t miss out on such a popular annual event.
“I look forward to the next stage of discussions and I am confident that we’ll have a display that Ellon can be proud of this Christmas.”
The council added that anyone who had offered their support to the event would soon be contacted directly, and further meetings held to plan the project.
Formartine area manager Elaine Brown added: “Since we learned the Christmas lights event was at risk, there has been an overwhelming number of offers of support to ensure the town will be lit up this festive season.
“Discussions are at an advanced stage and we are arranging to meet with local groups and others who have offered support to agree the plan of action next week.”
The switch-on was scheduled to take place on November 19, but as of last night, the exact date of the ceremony had not been confirmed.