THE all-singing, all-dancing switch-on of yesteryear may have been missing, but Galashiels has been lit up once again to mark the start of the festive season.

And organisers have promised bigger and better things next year.

In past years the switch-on has been accompanied by fireworks, choirs and a visit from Santa. But a lack of cash meant this year’s event had to be reigned in.

Michelle Donaghy, secretary of the Galashiels Chamber of Trade told the Border Telegraph: “The lights came on at 4pm on Saturday, but unfortunately we couldn’t do what we have done over the past few years.

“We managed to raise around £6,500 from businesses and the public which is really good, but we couldn’t afford the big firework display.

“We also normally have a choir singing and I think a few people were a little disappointed, but there wasn’t a lot of money. 

“We couldn’t put up lights on Channel Street because of health and safety.

“The Chamber of Trade sent out 250 letters to businesses asking for support and we got 55 donations, so we want to keep fundraising to make next year even better.”

Saturday’s switch-on coincided with the annual Christmas Market which was run by the Rotary Club.

And, while the event may not have been as big as previous years, the illuminations are still catching the eyes of visitors and residents alike.

Another group involved with the illuminations was Energise Galashiels, who have lit up the town centre’s fountain.

Its events chairman Mike Gray told us: “The Chamber of Trade did a great job raising the money they did.

“There are a lot of people involved to get all the lights put up. It can take hours and hours.

“We put on the projections over the fountain after we got a great response from projecting the poppies earlier in the month and we have got five different themes set. 

“Now we have baubles and stars on it, but one week we will project out lyrics of Christmas carols and songs. 

“There will also be things like Santas and ticking clocks for Hogmanay.”
As well as the lights and Christmas Market, Saturday also saw a craft fair which helped bring many visitors to the town.

Tom Ingoldsby, of Galashiels Rotary Club who organised the market added: “It was a success, but it’s definitely something we want to build on next year.

“It is a real community event. We want to encourage people to come out and get visitors into the area. 

“There was a lot of interest from people coming and going from the Interchange.”

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