IT was an explosive start to the festive period as thousands of families packed into George Square to watch the city’s official Christmas lights switch-on - and were treated to a fireworks show.
Tickets to the event were like gold dust with 13,000 people lucky enough to be among those who were allocated them through an online ballot.
Deputy Lord Provost Baillie Philip Bratt said demand was so high for the event that he could have filled George Square 32 times over had he give everyone a ticket who wanted one.
He said: “This is one of the most anticipated events in the Christmas calendar here in Glasgow. We have had a record number of ticket requests, nearly 91,000. If we had been able to give tickets to absolutely everyone who wanted to be here we would have been able to fill George Square 32 times over. I think that just shows that this is the biggest party in town, and quite rightly so.”
For those lucky enough to be at the switch on, festive characters on stilts, an appearance from Santa and singer Michelle McManus backed by the Soundsational Choir performing Christmas tunes was just some of the entertainment on offer.
Clyde One presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie also entertained the crowds before the big switch-on which was followed by a firework show, watched by hundreds of more people in the surrounding city centre streets.
Families travelled from all around the city for the event.
Kayleigh Coyle, 24, joined friends Kayleigh McCulloch, 16, Emma Collins, 16, Nidine McKenna, 18 and Jennifer Paton, 24, who all came from Balornock to watch the switch-on.
Kayleigh said: “I love seeing the lights and fireworks, it makes me feel all Christmassy. It is a good event and I come every year.”
Cheryl Ferrier, 28, from Stepps, attended with daughter Jessica, 5, and husband Gary, 29. She said: “This is my first time and we are really excited to be here. Everyone in Glasgow is always happy at Christmas.”
Corrina Campbell, 24, from Hillington took in the festivities with sister Zoe, 27, and nephew Riley, 7.
Corrina said: “This is our first time here, we really came for Riley.”
Stephen O’Rourke, 40, from Partick took daughters Lucy Threlfall, 13 and Orlaith O’Rourke, 4. He said: “We came two years ago and it is a great event. I love it. The people and atmosphere make Christmas in Glasgow.”
Natalie McCuish, 33, from Cambuslang took daughters Harley Rae, 11 and Lilia Beau, 7 and friend Jessica Savage, 7. She said: “I am dying to put my Christmas tree up but my husband said I am not allowed to. I am buzzing for this event. We make a point as a family of coming into Glasgow every Christmas.”
While Lesley Hendry, 33, from Bridgeton, was joined by partner Charles Johnston, 33, daughter Cayla, 8 and Cali, 2. She said: “It is a bit cold but we are excited. Christmas is a family affair in Glasgow, it is all about the kids.”
Alana McGregor with Olivia, 9, Rayna, 9 and Darren McGregor.
SEVERAL generations of one East End family took in the Christmas lights switch-on together.
The lucky Daley family from Carntyne were all wrapped up for the event in the city centre with mum and grandmother Rena, 68, attending with daughters Claire, 39 and Tracey, 41.
Claire had her daughters Nula, 3 and Neve, 7 at the event while sister Tracey took along kids Lucy-Mae, 4, Callum, 5 and Ellie, 10. Her oldest daughter Danielle, 25, also took in the festivities with her boyfriend Brian Elliot, 24, from Bridgeton.
Tracey said: "We were here a few years ago and it is fantastic we all got tickets again.
"It is just a family time for us, all my family live in Glasgow and they just love coming to this."
A Yoker baby appeared to be vying for Santa's job by dressing up as the festive character for the Christmas lights switch-on.
Cute tot David McManus spread some festive cheer with his tiny Santa outfit.
At just 13 weeks old, he showed off the big red suit in style.
He joined proud parents Caitlin McManus, 21, and Iain Hampson, 20, at the event who were both excited for their tot to take in the city's biggest Christmas event.
Caitlin said: "We dressed him up as Santa for the Christmas lights, it is his first time here.
"I am buzzing for his first Christmas.
"This is my first time here and I am excited to see the lights go on."
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