Falkirk Christmas lights switch-on cancelled - here's what's planned instead

Plans for public festivities, which would normally include a reindeer parade, have been shelved in line with the Scottish Government’s coronavirus safety guidance.

However, the town will still sparkle.

Business Improvement District, Falkirk Delivers, is in the process of installing illuminations which will be turned on in the near future.

Elaine Grant, Falkirk Delivers manager, said: “Unfortunately, due to the Scottish Government guidelines, we are unable to do a switch-on which is a disappointment to us and members of the public.

“We spent time looking at different activities we could possibly do, such as having a Santa behind barriers, but we were concerned about queueing so we decided to have nothing at all.”

The BID has instead commissioned a Christmas video – to be shown across its social media platforms – which will include a nostalgic collage of previous festive events and a magical message from Santa.

It has also launched a ‘Festive Gift Guide’ to provide shoppers with inspiration and showcase the products that can be bought online from local, independent businesses.

Plans are in the pipeline for a special parking offer during the month of December. Details are expected to be released in due course.

A BID spokeswoman said: “Falkirk Delivers is taking every step to support the efforts of emergency services, and the public, to keep the cases of coronavirus to a minimum.

“We would like to thank everyone for supporting their local community.”

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