THE opulent banqueting hall in the City Chambers is this week the venue for festive lunches for more than 1000 senior citizens.

The three-course meal hosted by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty was first laid on in 1982 and is now a firm tradition in the city.

Encore Hospitality staff will prep and stuff 55 massive turkeys, peel around 4500 potatoes and 9000 carrots as well as individually wrap chipolatas in bacon.

To top this off, chefs will mix 150 litres of gravy - enough to fill a large bathtub.

Clergy from places of worship attend the lunches with a representative from a different faith addressing guests each day.

Pupils from city schools entertain the senior citizens with a different choir singing carols. This year they come from Miller, St Francis, St Anne’s, Anderston and Elmvale primaries.

There is also music from accordionist John Carmichael, pianist Alan Kitchen, singer Maggie Dee and comedian Eddie Devine.

Mrs Docherty said: “The five-day luncheon is no mean feat for Encore’s chefs, cooks and front-of-house staff.

“Encore head chef Robert Hutchison oversees an army of staff during the five days as they prepare more than 450 litres of soup.”

At the weekend, Mrs Docherty attended Baby’s First Christmas when 250 of the city’s newest infants had their photographs taken with the Lord Provost.

And last night she attended an ecumenical blessing of the crib in George Square which featured singing by children from St Bartholomew’s primary and music by Alba Brass.

Mrs Docherty said: “Glasgow Loves Christmas and there is nothing like children singing carols, festive fare and the arrival of a new baby to make everyone feel extra Christmassy.”