CLACKMANNAN will be lit up in style this winter as the town prepares for its first ever Christmas lights switch-on event.

This Sunday, the town will get into the festive mood with an afternoon of festivities at the town hall.

And thanks to funding from the Clackmannan Development Trust, local community groups, businesses and individuals, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the people of Clackmannan, Christmas lights will light up the town centre for the first time.

The Clackmannan Development Trust (CDT) has been driving the project, and planning has been on the go for several months now to ensure that the community celebration is a big success.

Robert Horne, chair of the CDT, said: “We are delighted that everything and everyone has come together to make Light-Up Clackmannan a reality.

“The CDT’s fundraising and donations from community groups, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, local businesses and local individuals have made it all possible.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the Christmas lights brighten up our town centre – this is truly a first, and we are hoping that it is also the first of many good things for Clackmannan.

“It is tangible, visible proof that we are achieving positive things together as a community and that community empowerment is happening in Clackmannan and making a difference.” The festive fun will kick off at Clackmannan Town Hall at 4.30pm, when among the children’s attractions will be face painting, games, candy floss, prizes, stalls and refreshments for all.

The Light-Up Clackmannan ceremony in the town’s Main Street will start from 6pm onwards with the Clackmannan and Tulliallan Pipe Band, Alloa Burgh Brass Band, and Clackmannan Church Choir Carol Singers all contributing to the evening.

Main Street will be closed to traffic between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.