Lights delight

GEORGE Square glittered as more than 17,500 festive revellers celebrated the annual Christmas lights switch-on � signalling the start of the holiday season.

GEORGE Square glittered as more than 17,500 festive revellers celebrated the annual Christmas lights switch-on - signalling the start of the holiday season.

The city centre was transformed last night into a winter wonderland as Christmas characters milled among the crowd.

And Real Radio's Cat Harvey and Robin Galloway joined stars from the Singing Kettle to keep crowds entertained until the big moment.

The weather was kind, staying crisp and dry, and the highlight of the night was the spectacular 15-minute fireworks display which exploded across the sky.

Although a technical glitch caused the crowd to miss the accompanying soundtrack, kids were transfixed by the multi-coloured pyrotechnics.

Competition winner Ethan Anderson, 10, and his four-year-old sister Lucy had the honour of flicking the light switch.

Mum Carolyn, 34, and dad Tommy, 38, joined the young pair on stage. The family were treated to a limo ride from their home in Shawlands to join Lord Provost Bob Winter and reality TV star Craig Chalmers.

Student Carolyn said: "We felt like celebrities, drinking champagne in the limo and the kids were over the moon.To win was utterly amazing. We're having a fantastic time."

Even without the star treatment, families had a fantastic night watching the Christmas tree light up.

The Holland family, with kids Sarah, 2, and four-year-old Samson, came through from Edinburgh. Mum Sarah said: "I know it's a bit disloyal but my kids love the fireworks here and they're big fans of the Singing Kettle so I brought them to Glasgow as a special treat.

"The night has been brilliant and the atmosphere is just fantastic.It's a special family night out."

The Lord Provost added: "Looking on thousands of smiling faces showed what a success the switch-on was.Glasgow people love celebrations and really know how to party.

In Paisley, meanwhile, X Factor winner Leon Jackson kicked off a street party for 20,000 revellers.

He performed a 20-minute set before helping Renfrewshire Provost Celia Lawson turn on the lights.

A sea of people filled High street where a stage had been erected at the Town Hall where the singer performed three songs and ignited a giant fireworks display.

Ten lucky Evening Times readers were the last to get tickets for the event after they won a contest. They were Lisa McLaughlin, Rutherglen; Brian Riley, Drumoyne; Esther Dooey, Muirhead; Julie Boyd, Thornliebank; Patricia Pearce, Blantyre; Catherine Kerr, Lambhill; Jacquie Johnstone; Catherine Kerr; Pauline Young and Ashley Cunningham, all Glasgow.