THE Alva Glen Illuminations are set to return once again this year.

The biennial event – organised by Alva Glen Heritage Trust – will take place in September and will feature a whole host of entertainment.

There will be stalls selling glow merchandise, food and refreshments, along with plenty of music and brand new lighting equipment.

Chair of the organisation and co-founder, Claire Templeton, said it will "create fantastic new lighting effects in the glen".

She is calling out for volunteers to register as soon as possible, with opportunities available to help put up gazebos, perform marshalling duties on the night, clearing up and more.

She said: "It very much depends on us getting enough people. If we don't have a number of volunteers coming forward to make the event safe we can't go ahead. It absolutely crucial for us."

"This year because we have got this fantastic new lighting equipment we would be really keen to hear from anybody that has experience of programming light equipment, particularly outdoor lighting equipment.

"But also, if anybody would like to learn about lighting in an outdoor event and would like to learn how to hang outdoor lighting we would welcome that as well."

The heritage trust is a conservation charity that works to improve the environment – planting, clearing shrubs, improving paths, installing carvings, artworks and more – in the Hillfoots.

It also organises community events, facilitates contractors for complex works and provides training for its volunteers.

The illuminations, which were established in 2004, helps raise funds in order to make all this possible.

The organisation is friendly and people are always welcome to get on board, either in the glen or behind the scenes, and workdays are held on the first Sunday of the month.

Claire said: "The benefits [of getting involved] are that feeling that you are putting something back, giving something back to the community.

"You also benefit the environment by helping with conservation. It's a great place to meet new people, it's good fun – we have a good laugh.

"But you have also got the opportunity, if you are interested, you can take more formal training we would pay for if you wanted to learn specific skills."

For details on getting involved with the illuminations on Saturday, September 17 or the trust, call Claire on 01259 760997, or head to the Facebook page.