KILWINNING is set to be illuminated for the official countdown to Christmas.

The annual Christmas Lights Switch On will take place next week on Saturday, November 21, marking the start of the festive season.

The event has been organised by Promoting Kilwinning who have enlisted former newspaper editor Lorraine Howard to officially switch the lights on.

The event kicks off at 3.30pm with entertainment from local rock band ‘Twin Heart’ and last year’s CanHeart winner Emma Sarginson will also be performing.

There will also have the children’s entertainers, The Magnificent Organ, at 4.30pm and the fairground will open at 2.30pm in the Woodwynd car park.

Kilwinning Academy Parents Council will have their very successful Santa’s grotto and there will be the usual charity and craft stalls. There are spaces available on the Main Stage for entertainers as well as stall spaces.

Joe Broussard, from Promoting Kilwinning, said: “Lorraine has been promoting Kilwinning and the Christmas Lights longer than Promoting Kilwinning. As a Kilwinning correspondent for the Irvine Herald she always made sure that all things Kilwinning were in the limelight.

“During her time as editor of the paper she continued her efforts to feature all our major events especially our recent campaign to raise funds for the new Christmas Lights.

“We hope this year will be the best ever.

“The entertainment is predominantly provided by local talent. It is always a pleasure for Promoting Kilwinning to discover and celebrate the amazing talent in Kilwinning and Ayrshire. Prepare to be amazed.”

Joe added: “Promoting Kilwinning would like to thank the Whitehirst and Woodside Community Association and the Kilwinning Academy Parent Council for their recent generous donations. We are getting closer to reaching the total money needed to install the new lights so please keep the donations coming.”

Contact Joe Broussard, 01294 552284 to book a stall spot or for more information.