TONIGHT promises to be of one the brightest this winter in Peebles – it’s time for the Christmas lights to be switched on.
And that important duty falls on two very important people – Santa Claus and this year’s proud Beltane Queen, Rianna Sterricks.
It promises to be a magical night of music and merriment. The bells of the parish church will ring out as a prelude to the lights being switched on.
Peebles Ex-Service Pipe Band will escort two VIPs from the church to the square in front of the Tontine Hotel for the important ceremony.
There will be songs and carols from the community choir Inchorus, and Peebles Silver Band – never one to miss out on fun – will also be there to entertain.
The High Street will be closed for stalls and funfairs, and local shops will be remain open for late-night Christmas shopping. And tonight is not just for the people of Peebles. The town throws its arms open to welcome visitors to this bustling Royal Burgh, which boasts a wide range of shops that are the envy of many places.
The High Street, the Eastgate, Northgate and the Old Town are a veritable shoppers’ paradise.
If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping, or even if you have a few present still to purchase, Peebles is the place to be tonight.