Aberdeen’s Christmas lights will be switched on this Sunday (November 24) with a festive and historical themed parade led by Robert the Bruce.
Celebrating the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Stocket Charter, King Robert the Bruce will be joined by members of the Medieval Realm re-enactment group as knights, foot soldiers and peasants parading under torch light down Union Street.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett will get the festive extravaganza underway, with Santas on scooters setting off just after 5pm followed by the Charlie House Santa Fun Run on Union Street at 5.15pm. The main parade sets off at 5.30pm from Albyn Place to Castlegate.
The parade, as well as the medieval characters, will also feature Santa and Rudolph, panto characters, a number of festive floats, festive street entertainers, local charities, sports groups and community organisations all led by the Grampian and District Pipes and Drums.
The Lord Provost said: “The Christmas lights transform the city centre each year, brightening up the dark nights and bringing the festive season to life.
“The parade is a great way for families and friends to enjoy this magical time of year and for many the lights switch-on parade signals the start of the celebrations.
“This year the parade is celebrating the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Stocket Charter by King Robert the Bruce which took place in December 1319. This was a significant milestone in Aberdeen’s history, which saw the King establish the City’s Common Good Fund.
“With lots of things to see and do in Aberdeen this Christmas I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of the city’s fabulous festive offering.”
The lights switch-on parade is just one of several events that are taking place in the city as part of Christmas in Aberdeen. Full details of the programme can be found at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas .
There are still places available in the Charlie House Santa Run, which starts at 5.15pm and sees runners dressed as Santa race down the entire length of Union Street. To register your place, please visit www.charliehouse.org.uk/events/santa-run-2019/
There will be various parking restrictions and road closures in place for the Christmas lights parade:
Between 6pm on Saturday (November 23) and 7.00pm on Sunday (November 24), there will be a ban on parking on Albyn Place between Albyn Grove and Alford Place, Victoria Street between Albyn Place to its junction with Waverley Place/Thistle Street except for vehicles associated with the Christmas lights event.
On Sunday (November 24) from 5pm to 7.00pm, the ban on right turns from King Street onto West North Street will be temporarily suspended, as will the ban on right turns from Union Street onto Bridge Street and the right turns from Holburn Street onto Willowbank Road.
Also on Sunday, Victoria Street from its junction with Albyn Place to Waverley Place/Thistle Street will be closed from 2.30-6pm. Albyn Place will be closed between its junctions with Alford Grove and Holburn Junction from 4-6pm. From 5-7pm the full length of the Union Street, Castle Street and King Street corridor will be closed between Holburn Street and East North Street. Alternative routes will be available.
