HUGE numbers of people have requested tickets for the official switch-on of Glasgow’s Christmas lights.
The ceremony, which is being held on Sunday, November 18 in George Square, marks the official start of the countdown to Christmas in the city.
Glasgow Life said, in total, 309,422 tickets were requested via the ballot, around three per cent less than last year.
The number of tickets requested is the equivalent of over half the population of Glasgow - and would fill Hampden Stadium SIX times.
The total capacity for the event is just 16,000.
People living within Glasgow City Council will receive 93 per cent of the tickets when the emails go out later TODAY.
Even so, for people in Glasgow, only one in every 13 applications has been successful.
For people living outside the city, the chances of getting tickets were more than 137 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.
READ MORE: Christmas comes early as work starts on George Square lights
Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Eva Bolander, said: “Demand for tickets for the Christmas lights switch-on has, once again, been very strong.
“We know with every successful application, others will have been disappointed.
“We simply can’t squeeze everyone who wants a ticket into George Square.
“So, if you’re lucky enough to have been selected, please come along and make it a night to remember.
“If you haven’t, we’ve still plenty for you to enjoy and take part in as we countdown towards Christmas. We’re looking forward to welcoming you.”
READ MORE: Thousands of tickets up for grabs in ballot for Christmas lights switch-on
The lights will be on in George Square until early in the New Year.
A traditional Christmas market will open in George Square on 25 November.
Another market in St Enoch Square will open on November 9.
The Style Mile Carnival returns on November 25, with Baby’s First Christmas on December. 8.
The Blessing of the Crib takes place on December 5 and the Santa Dash is on December 9.
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