Selkirk sparkles to welcome in the Festive season

A packed programme of traditional entertainment made sure everyone was in the Christmas spirit before Santa took an hour out of his busy schedule to officially switch on the lights.

Despite ongoing building works to transform the Market Place, the hard-working organisers still managed to put on an afternoon to remember.

As well as a host of carols from Selkirk Silver Band, the Riddell Fiddles had the town dancing with an hour of outdoor jigs, waltzes and dashing white sergeants.

Selkirk Musical Theatre Company also brought pantomime to the streets with some mapcap moments as well as singalongs underneath the mistletoe.

With traders and fundraisers plying their wares from the small tented village and children absorbed in a town-trail treasure hunt, Selkirk served up a festive feast of traditional delights.

And even when it became a little too cold for some there was a film afternoon being screened at nearby Rowland’s.

Caroline Penman, who chairs the organising committee, was full of praise for the help her group has received.

She said: “This wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers who have worked so hard.

“Selkirk is a bit of a building site just now but we are getting there and we know the town will look great when everything is finished.

“We would like to thank Scottish Borders Council for making the Market Place available – and we have done the best we can with what is all going on.”

Selkirk Junior Football Club held a festive tournament in the town’s Bog Park, which raised £120 towards the town’s lights.

And there was a special mention for Knowepark Primary pupil Brooke Laurie who raised an incredible £1,060 for the festive display with the sale of candy and cookies.

Saturday afternoon climaxed with the arrival of Santa and his helpers, including the town’s provost Jake Wheelans and Standard Bearer Kieran Riddell, to switch on the Christmas tree lights.

And in traditional fashion the countdown was greeted with huge cheers.