Christmas spirit hits Bathgate

Nov 27 2008 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Christmas is now official!

THE festive spirit flooded Bathgate last weekend as the Christmas season officially got underway.

The town held a day of seasonal events on Saturday to entertain the whole family and the event was hailed as a major success.

And the day culminated with the switch on of the town centre’s Christmas lights and tree as the countdown for the festive season began.

The fun got underway around noon with music from a DJ and young musicians from Bathgate Academy in the town’s Steelyard.

Street entertainers including, face painters, jugglers and stilt walkers kept the crowd amused before Santa’s procession arrived much to the delight of everyone attending.

Father Christmas’ parade was led by his helper elves, and made its way to the Steelyard where Santa and his reindeer greeted the crowds.

And the day was rounded off with a torchlight procession through the town, a fitting ending to what was a marvellous day for the town.

The parade began by making its way along North and South Bridge Street, Mansefield Street and Hopetoun Street, before walking along George Street and back to The Steelyard.

Then Katy Latta and Paul Stewart – who took on the roles of Princess Marjory and Walter, Lord High Steward, in this year’s Bathgate Procession – switched on the lights in the town centre.

And Toni Duff of Boghall Primary, saw her winning design for a festive light unveiled.

John Masson, tourism and town centre manager, said the day’s events had proved to be a great success.

He said: “This was the best of the town centre Christmas events we’ve had in Bathgate.

“It attracted one of the biggest crowds we have ever had and we thank everyone for attending and giving their support to the event.”