It is that time of year again.
Inverness Christmas Lights will be switched on by Provost Helen Carmichael – and special guest Santa – later in the month outside the newly-restored Town House.
The event, on Sunday November 19, is the first of several events across the city taking place throughout the festive period, as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme, to mark the countdown to Christmas.
Councillor Bet McAllister of the Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group said: “Our Christmas Lights Switch On event is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year for the younger members of our community and we are really looking forward to seeing the excitement in their eyes. There is always something magical about the moment when they get their first glimpse of Santa Claus as he arrives to help the Provost turn on our Christmas Lights.“
The annual festival will begin with a torchlight procession from Crown Primary School from 5.45pm, before following a now traditional route down Stephen’s Brae. All residents wishing to take part in the parade are advised to arrive at 5:15pm to
The parade will be led by Inverness Senior and Youth Pipe bands and feature a number of costumed characters, with the Provost, Santa and host Nicola McAlley joining in the festivities.
Marchers are all invited to continue the celebration at the Old Church for the annual Carol Service, Ding Dong Merrily Old High, due to start at 6.30pm. The service will be held by Rev Peter W Nimmo, Minister of Old High St Stephen’s, with a number of traditional favourites being performed by the Joint choir from St Stephen’s and the Old High churches.
All drivers are being advised to arrive early in order to use the city car parks on the night.
A number of temporary traffic restrictions will be in place around Inverness Town House on Sunday, November 19, as detailed below:
Bridge Street, Inverness, closed at its junction with Castle Road to its junction with High Street, from 5pm and 6:30pm.
High Street, Inverness, closed at its junction with Bridge Street to its junction with Castle Street, from 5pm and 6:30pm.
Castle Street, Inverness, closed at its junction with High Street to its junction with View Place, from 5pm and 6:30pm.
Castle Wynd, Inverness, closed at its junction with Bridge Street to its termination, from 5pm and 6:30pm.
Kingsmills Road, Inverness, closed at its junction with Union Road to its junction with Charles Street, between 5:40pm and 5:50pm.
Stephens Street, Inverness, closed at its junction with Kingsmills Road to its junction with Stephens Brae, between 5:45pm and 5:55pm.
Stephens Brae, Inverness, closed at its junction with Stephens Street to its junction with Eastgate, between 5:45pm and 5:55pm.
Eastgate, Inverness, closed at its junction with Stephens Brae to its junction with High Street, between 5:45pm and 5:55pm.
High Street, Inverness, closed at its junction with Eastgate to its junction with Bridge Street, between 5:45pm and 6pm.