Communities turned out in force for Christmas switch on events in Carnoustie, Kirriemuir and Stonehaven at the weekend.
Responsibility for the festive light shows has largely been taken on by locals and the switch-on events were the result of months of hard work and fundraising efforts by volunteers.
More than £3,000 was raised for Christmas lights in Carnoustie which were switched on following an evening of entertainment in the High Street on Sunday.
Carnoustie Independent councillor David Cheape said: “The residents and businesses within Carnoustie really got behind the crowdfunding initiative initiated by Carnoustie Community Council to secure finding for storage and replacement of existing lights plus the not insubstantial cost of erecting and taking down the Christmas lights.
“Thanks to the help particularly of DJ Laing Ltd who offered us the use of cherrypickers and driver/operatives for two whole days plus a hearty group of local volunteers we succeeded in getting the lights up at minimum cost.
“This means funds raised will likely secure the retention of existing lights and replacement of those that are passed their sell by date so that we can plan for next year already.
“Getting the lights up gave everyone a great feeling of satisfaction and confirms the true meaning of community spirit is alive and well in Carnoustie.”
Kirrie’s Christmas lights switch took place on Saturday and featured a brass band, carol singers and a projection display by students from Dundee and Angus College.
The audience was taken on a magical Christmas adventure deep into Neverland and beyond in the spirit of Peter Pan “to get Christmas off to a highly imaginative and captivating start”.
The Kirrie community raised over £3,300 fthrough bag packs, raffles, running races and race nights to cover the cost of professional equipment required to bring the ideas to life.
Thousands also turned out on Saturday for Stonehaven’s Christmas lights switch on which was organised by the Stonehaven and District Lions Club.
The day kicked-off in Market Square with dancers from the Lindsay School of Dance and Santa visited on his sleigh whilst a bouncy castle and a bungee trampoline kept the little ones active, along with face-painting and glitter tattoos.
