An Aberdeenshire town has been warned it faces a less-than-sparkling Christmas unless another £20,000 can be found to replace its worn-out lights.
Inverurie’s collection of festive illuminations has been declared “too far gone” to repair so a community group is leading a campaign to find the cash for a new set.
Hamish Vernal, chairman of charity Inverurie Events, said that without “urgent” financial help, December shoppers would be lit by nothing but street lights.
The Christmas festival and switch on event is due to take place on Sunday, November 26 and be topped of by a fireworks display.
Mr Vernal said: “Our town’s current lights have been used for many years, and despite regular maintenance and repair they are no longer fit for purpose or safe to use.
“Without urgent donations, Inverurie will be without lights adorning our beautiful town centre throughout December.”
The new lights would last ten years and the cost was an “investment”, he added.
“This would initially buy enough lights for the two main streets in the centre and would also buy lights for the memorial gardens in Market Square,” he said.
“There will be much more than before as more lampposts will be able to support the new lighter weighing frames.”
Inverurie Events operates under the umbrella of the town’s new business improvement district (BID) and has a committee dedicated to occasions such as the Pride of Inverurie Awards, a St Andrews Day parade and a Christmas festival and parade.
The group of volunteers has started a crowd funding page to try to raise the money needed to light up the town.
Mr Vernal said: “We have £10,000 in the pot, but we urgently need help to fulfil our hope of bringing the joy of Christmas and decorating our town even bigger and brighter than ever.”
Mr Vernal explained that an extended parade will lead to the “big switch on” and pipe bands will be providing entertainment alongside other market stalls and musicians, adding: “We are hoping for a really fun day out and a bit of razzmatazz in Inverurie.”
If you would like to donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inverurie-events?utm_id=2&utm_term=rnzAGmMBP