Lerwick town centre’s festive plans taking shape

THE FESTIVE season is taking shape in the centre of town with the Living Lerwick Christmas lights hung up along the street and ready for the big switch-on parade later this month. The switch-on takes place on Saturday 26 November at 3.30pm.

Due to popular demand, there will also be a big Norwegian Christmas tree – bought by the town centre businesses through Living Lerwick and shipped free of charge by Northlink and Northwards.

The tree will be erected at the Market Cross by Shetland Islands Council’s roads service, and Living Lerwick will light it up.

There will also be five smaller trees in planters situated at the Shetland Times Bookshop, Harrison Square and Harry’s Department Store.

Businesses in the town centre are getting their festive window displays ready – competing for the title of best display. A public vote will be open on the Living Lerwick Facebook page from Saturday 26 November until Monday 5 December.

Advertisement7 of 10

The switch-on parade will kick off with Santa arriving at the pier on the lifeboat. The Peerie Foxes nursery bairns will follow Santa and switch on the lights with their magic wands as they pass. This year’s Jarl Squad will be part of the parade and the brass band will provide music as it progresses.

It starts at Albert Wharf (next to Victoria Pier), travels up Church Road, turns into Commercial Street, down Burns Walk, along the Esplanade and finishes up at the Market Cross.

Road closures will be in place from 3pm to 4.30pm on Commercial Street (from Church Road to Commercial Road) and the Esplanade (from the Harbour Street junction to the Market Cross).

A team of naughty elves are visiting shops in the town centre from Saturday 26 November until Christmas.

Most of the town centre businesses will have extended opening hours. There are also lots of events and special offers available, and details are available on the Living Lerwick website and Facebook page.