IT is one of the highlights of the festive season and a much loved family occasion.
The switch on of the Christmas lights in George Square is always hugely oversubscribed with around 260,000 people last year applying for the 13,000 tickets available.

This year the annual ballot to determine who will be lucky enough to be there on the night opens on Monday and closes at 23.59pm on Sunday October 11. 
All applicants will be informed by October 20 if they have been successful.  

Each applicant can apply for a maximum of six free tickets for the switch on on Sunday November 15.Each ticket permits access for one person only and all adults, children and babies must have a ticket to gain access to George Square.
Glasgow Life is urging people only to apply for the tickets they need as last year almost 2000 secured through the ballot were not used.

This year there were plans to charge for the tickets but it was dropped following a 
public outcry. Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: “The switch-on of the Glasgow Christmas Lights marks the start of the city’s countdown to Christmas. 

“Many families have strong emotional ties to the event but the capacity of George Square means tens of thousands of people are likely to miss out. 

“I hope everyone who applies for tickets will request the exact number they need for the night so that as few tickets as possible are wasted for what is a wonderful 
Glasgow occasion.” 

Full details of the event and who will be performing will be released nearer the time. It will start at 6pm and culminate with a fabulous firework display, which will round off the evening with a bang.

To apply for tickets visit www.glasgowloveschristmas.com or the Glasgow Loves Christmas facebook page or visit your local library where staff will  assist in applying.