CHRISTMAS will NOT be cancelled in Irvine, North Ayrshire Council has confirmed.

Reports had suggested that the town could be left with no festive lighting display after it was confirmed that the community-led switching-on event was being cancelled for the "foreseeable future".

But the local authority and Marymass organisers have now stepped in to fill the gap by working alongside community groups to put on a night to remember in the town.

Supported by the Marymass committee and the Irvine Youth Forum, the new Community Yuletide event will take place on Sunday, December 11, and will include a whole host of fun festive activites throughout the whole day.

The event kicks off at 11am at the Bridgegate and will include a Christmas market; Santa’s grotto; free hot chocolate; food vendors; a mobile youth centre; an Activator bus and children's Bookbug sessions.

Stores in the High Street will also be open, while KA Leisure will be hosting soft archery and arts and crafts sessions.

There will also be a range of talented musicians performing throughout the day - including the Ayrshire Rock Choir from 3.15pm - that will bring a touch of Christmas cheer.

From 4pm, there will be a family movie screening – with the film to be decided by you.

You will be able to vote for your favourite Christmas movie for the evening via the council’s Facebook.

Councillor Marie Burns, the leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “There was obviously disappointment when a community group were not able to organise a Christmas lights switch-on celebration. It is a huge undertaking, so it is understandable.

“So we are delighted to be able to bring the Community Yuletide event, and a huge thanks to the Marymass committee and the Irvine Youth Forum in their support in bringing this together.

“It will be a celebration of all things Christmas, bringing together the community in a fun, relaxing and enjoyable way.

"We will have things for all the family from bookbug sessions for under fives, Santa’s Grotto for children and the mobile youth centre for any young people."