Dundee’s festive season got under way in a blaze of light, colour and noise as thousands of people flocked to the city centre for the Christmas Light Night events.
Lord Provost Bob Duncan said it was a time for the city to celebrate, and next week there may be something else and very special to toast.
“The UK City of Culture prize would be an extra-special Christmas present and we have only a few days to wait to know if we have won,” he said.
The Right Rev Nigel Peyton, Bishop of Brechin, said there are only “40 sleeps” until Christmas Day and a lot of shopping may be done in that time.
“But people should not forget that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem,” and he suggested three things people should do to have a great Christmas.Photo gallery: Dundee Christmas Light NightHe explained: “It is not about how much money you spend. Kindness and generosity to others are important, and remember that a smile costs nothing.
“It is easy to give presents to people you like and to those who love us back, but maybe we should think about building some bridges with others.
“Thirdly there are a lot of extremely troubled, damaged and lost people out there. Let us all do something charitable in the coming weeks to help them.”
The lord provost and Bishop Peyton gave way for Santa to flick the switch to turn the night into a sparkling display of colour.
The centrepiece was the Christmas tree in City Square but strings of lights bedecked surrounding streets, and seasonal messages were projected on to the walls of neighbouring buildings.
As fireworks streaked upwards, fake snowflakes cascaded down over the throngs including many young families, and Christmas music added more cheer.
The celebrations started with Wave 102s National Express Christmas Bus touring the city promoting the light night, with college dance students giving short demonstrations at selected spots.
Tay FM broadcast live from the City Square and city centre church bells pealed.
A stunning torchlight procession came down Reform Street from the High School of Dundee with the theme of the lanterns “wings and things”.
The McManus and the City Churches featured events along with the Wellgate and Murraygate, and shops opened late for customers who couldn’t wait to start buying those special gifts.