THE much anticipated Largs Yuletide Night will go ahead on Wednesday, December 4 and include all the usual favourites such as Santa's Sleigh ride, late night shopping, fun activities and much more.
The small band of volunteers who put on the event every year have told the News that some necessary changes have had to be made to this year's Christmas celebration.
After missing out on an application for £6,000 for the festive light installation costs, the Largs Events group are going to fund the installation themselves, and are pulling out all the stops to ensure that this year's festive night out is a big success.
Chairman Ian Murdoch said: "The yuletide night is Wednesday, December 4, and will have all the usual favourites including Santa's sleigh and grotto.
"Largs Events are in the process of purchasing new illuminations for the Main Street. It is going to have a slightly different look.
"It costs in excess of £3,000 every year alone just to put Largs Yuletide Night and we also receive a lot of support from local businesses.
"The big difference this year is that there will not be street closure at Aitken Street or Tron Place as there has been in recent years as we won't be able to afford that.
"Likewise, we cannot justify hiring an entertainment stage, but instead, performances can take place in Gallowgate Square.
"All of this is necessary to enable us to afford the Christmas lights unless the financial position changes but Largs Events was unsuccessful in its application to the seafront car park fund, and have had to look at other measures for funding."
Santa's sleigh ride to the neighbouring communities of Fairlie, West Kilbride and Skelmorlie will also still be going ahead, with dates and times still to be arranged.
Ian added: "While it is very disappointing with the council cuts, we still want to put a smile on everyone's faces and put on a good yuletide night which is very positive and that everyone can enjoy.
"Largs Events had received £10,000 from the Colin Weir Charitable Foundation earlier this year for new Christmas illuminations, and it is something we are very grateful for.
"We will still have live performances at Gallowgate Square, local magicians and the balloon artist all coming, and we hope to provide plenty of festive cheer for everybody."
For more details or to get involved with Largs Events, or help with sponsorship, go to their Facebook page.
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