Christmas Light Night 2010

A large helping of Christmas spirit was sprinkled on Dundee as more than 25,000 people turned out on Friday 19th November 2010 for the city's Christmas Light Night event.

The peal of church bells signalled the beginning of the night's festivities, followed by a torchlight procession, led by Lord Provost and Santa, from the newly refurbished McManus: Dundee Gallery and Museum winding down to City Square.

The Christmas Lights were officially switched on by the Lord Provost to an audience who packed City Square. 

He said "It has been absolutely fantastic and what a tremendous turns-out.

"The procession is maybe my favourite part of the whole event but the overall atmosphere has been brilliant and everybody seems to have had a great time."

The whole city centre then opened up to become an event arena.  Local groups took to the streets in Tay Square, City Square, Dundee Science Centre car park, outside The McManus and in The Wellgate and Overgate to show off their talents.  Visitors were treated to all this as well as projections onto buildings by DC Thomson and Dundee Industrial Heritage Trust.

The Nativity Play in the City Square proved a big draw for the younger children who also enjoyed being sprinkled with 'fairy dust' by a stilt-walking fairy.

Visitors to the McManus were treated to performances showcasing local talent including Bharatiya Ahsram Arts Group who gave a display of Bollywood dances, Radio Tay competition winner Stella Reilly and the ever popular Loadsaweeminsing. 

The Wellgate and Overgate Centres were open late and hosted performances by The Claypotts Signing Choir, Dorwin Stage School and Showcase the Street.

A stage set up in front of Dundee Science Centre - Sensation saw performances by Dundee Rep Theatre and Downfield Music Society who showcased a scene from their forthcoming pantomimes, performances from Wave 102 competition winners and ceilidh band The Oakcakes.  Tay Square also came to life with a 70's style solar disco floor.

The evening was rounded off with a display of fireworks over the city centre.