RSS Press releases

A local actor is to begin the Countdown to Christmas in Stranraer. This Saturday sees the launch of this 2013’s Christmas Events in Stranraer Town Centre. Actor Michael McClorey, who has stared in a range of soaps and theatrical productins, will be our compere at the Castle Square to lead the countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch On. Dumfries and Galloway Council and various partners have organised a vast range of events over the weeks leading up to Christmas. Beginning this Saturday, there is a wealth of activities to get into the Christmas spirit in the centre of town at the Castle Square including fairground rides; Santa’s Grotto, Stranraer Brass Band; Access Art christmas decorations workshops; Christmas Storytelling with Wigtown author Renita Boyle; The Christmas Wish Tree to which children and adults can add their Christmas Wishes, mascots to entertain the younger ones, Christmas music to get you in the mood for shopping and the Christmas Lights Countdown and Switch On at 4.45pm. Michael, who has taken time out from his busy performing schedule, will be proving a running commentary on all of the activities available on the day. He will also highlight further events which are taking place over the coming weeks. There is also the popular Christmas Fair at the Millennium Centre from 11.00am – 3.00pm. The main event on Saturday will be the Switching on of the Christmas Lights at 4.45pm. This year, three winners of the Primary Schools Design a Christmas Tree Competition Ellie Miller, Kirkcolm Primary School, Primary 1 -3 Winner, Abbigale Henry, Drochduil Primary School, Primary 4-5 Winner & Colby Halliday, Primary 6 -7 Winner will be helped to push the big red button by Santa and also Councillor Jim McClung, Chair of the Wigtown Area Committee. The YMCA and Stranraer Young Farmers will also be unveiling this year’s Santa’s Float on Saturday afternoon before they begin their annual of Stranraer and the surrounding areas to fundraise for local charities. Extra events which have been confirmed in the last few days are: •A free coaching and training day for all primary school pupils with Stranraer FC Players along with the Management Team of Stephen Aitken, Steven Farrell and Alan Waddell on Sunday 8th December from 12.00 – 3.00pm at the 3G Pitch at Stranraer Academy. All children taking part will receive a free ticket to the Stranraer FC v Brechin City Home Match on the following Saturday 14th December. •Stranraer FC Football Players and Management will also be at the Castle Square on Saturday 14th December to meet fans and sign autographs from 12.45pm – 1.15pm. Your ideal chance to meet your heroes and wish them luck for their match that afternoon. •On Saturday 14th December, Stranraer YMCA, The Furniture Project and Stranraer Young Farmers will be leading the Lantern and Banner Parade which will leave the former Stena Car Park, opposite the Police Station in Stranraer at 4pm. Lantern Making workshops will be held over the next few weeks and at the Castle Square on the afternoon of 14th December. •The worldwide BMX Sensation Kriss Kyle will be giving an incredible demonstration on Sunday 15th December at the Castle Square from 1pm – 2pm. So, to begin your Christmas with a spectacular countdown, join us at the Castle Square this Saturday from 12.00 onwards. Stranraer Christmas flyer