THE equivalent to over half the population of Glasgow have requested tickets for the annual Christmas Lights switch-on.

More people than ever put their name in the ballot for the chance to secure tickets for the ceremony, which is being held on November 19 in George Square.

A total of 317, 184 tickets were requested, up more than 16 per cent on the number requested last year.

The number of applicants would fill George Square almost 20 times for the event and would fill Hampden Stadium more than six times.

Out of the 16,000 tickets available, people living within Glasgow City Council’s will receive 93 per cent when the emails go out this week.

Only one in every 14 applications has been successful.

For people living outside the city the chances of getting tickets were more than 150 to one.

As well as ballot winners, people who live in the area affected by the cordon for the event and local businesses can apply for tickets.

The lights will be on in George Square until early in the New Year. A traditional Christmas Market will be open in George Square by November 25.

Another market in St Enoch Square is due to open on November 9.

The Style Mile Carnival returns to Glasgow on November 26, Baby’s First Christmas is on December 2 and registration opens on November 1. The Blessing of the Crib takes place on December 6 and the Santa Dash is on December 10.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Eva Bolander said: “George Square in the lead up to Christmas always has a special atmosphere and never more so as the lights are switched on for the first time.

“This event continues to grow in popularity every year so I hope everyone who has been lucky to get these tickets will have a brilliant time.”