A north-east business owner is aiming to turn his town into a winter wonderland this year with a parade and fairground attractions.
Des Cheyne, who owns the Spotty Bag Shop in Banff, is hoping Aberdeenshire Council sign off on his ambitious scheme to parade Santa’s reindeer through the town and host a fair over winter.
Local councillors will discuss the plans on Tuesday, but if approved Mr Cheyne has signed up Aviemore’s Spencer’s Funfair to operate attractions and concession stalls to rival Aberdeen’s Christmas village.
And last night, Mr Cheyne said: “It will add a bit of festive cheer to the area.
“It’s something that we’ve been able to put into the local calendar to bring people to.”
He added: “This is the ninth year we’ll have done a reindeer parade and every year it seems to grow in the amount of people who come out for it.
“It’s a fantastic draw to the area and creates a sense of community spirit in this time of doom and gloom in the economy.”
The parade and fair will run in Banff between December 16-18.
It is one of many community driven events that will dominate the Christmas season.
In St Combs, couple William and Margaret McRobbie will continue their 20-year long tradition of decking out their home in a mass of lights for the village to enjoy.
The family have been hosting switch-ons at their home since their granddaughter was a child.
It has since brought the community together and regularly attracts hundreds of spectators to their front door.
“It all started with my first granddaughter – I bought a small Santa and it sat at the door,” Mr McRobbie explained.
“But as the years went on, I’ve just added more and more.”
This year’s switch-on takes place on November 26 at 6.30pm.
Last year, all the pupils of the local primary school were invited to turn on the display and help start the Christmas celebrations.
