Delight at turnout for Banff Christmas Cracker's lights switch-on
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HAVING enjoyed the Christmas lights around Banff town centre for two years, the local community finally got the chance to attend a switch-on event on Sunday.
Banff Plainstones Christmas Cracker was formed in 2020 and had lights up around the Plainstones, Strait Path and Low Street in 2020 and 2021.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, a proper switch-on event was never possible until Sunday – when that was put right in impressive fashion.
"We couldn't have asked for a better crowd," Christmas Cracker chairman Kenny Grant said.
"It was the third year we have done the lights and it was magic to have a crowd. We didn't know what to expect, we are a committee of just five, so to do what we did was great.
"It was a good afternoon, the weather stayed fine and everybody was delighted with the lights.
"At the height of the afternoon there were about 300 people in attendance.
"A lot of work goes into doing this but it's worth it to see the queues for Santa's Grotto and the spark in the kids' eyes."
Santa's Grotto was attended by around 250 children throughout the afternoon, with a queue half way down Low Street.
Santa arrived at his grotto, donated by It's Showtime Castles, to much excitement, with other entertainment including four local bagpipers playing.
Starlite Discos provided further entertainment, with stalls including the Frying Scotsman and Little Miss Candyfloss keeping people fed.
A ball race down Strait Path in the afternoon, won by Kaja Kotnarowska, raised £603 for the Christmas Cracker, which will help pay the bill's for next year's event.
"Next year will be bigger and better," Kenny added. "We'll push the boundaries again."
