28 October 2016

Local groups rally to bring festive sparkle to Ellon

Christmas lights will shine in Ellon this year, following positive discussions with local groups and town residents to ensure a local ceremony takes place.

Aberdeenshire Council is supporting Ellon Events, Ellon Traders, and Ellon Rotary Club and – together with support from local councillors and many volunteers – the group is developing plans for the installation of lighting displays, and an event to mark the switch-on.

Formartine Area Manager Elaine Brown said: “Since we learned the Christmas lights event was at risk there has been an overwhelming number of offers of support to ensure the town will be lit up this festive season.

“Discussions are at an advanced stage and we are arranging to meet with local groups and others who have offered support to agree the plan of action next week.”

Timescales for the installation and ceremony will be agreed at next week’s meeting, and further details will be released publicly once plans have been firmed up.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine Area Committee, Cllr Rob Merson, said: “It is no surprise that there has been so much support and goodwill in the community to ensure Ellon doesn’t miss out on such a popular annual event.

“I look forward to the next stage of discussions and I am confident that we’ll have a display that Ellon can be proud of this Christmas.”

Those that have generously offered support will be contacted directly to attend the meeting to hear more detail of the plans and to identify tasks.