KILWINNING'S Light-Up festival was a phenomenal success at the weekend.
Organisers Choose Kilwinning lined up a succession of fantastic events to keep the crowd entertained before the big festive lights switch-on - and the crowds just loved it.
The lights were turned on by the Segdoune Queen and her Royal Party. And they, like eveyrone else, enjoyed a great day with plenty of entertainment, ranging from wrestling matches to musical performances.
Young and old alike had a wonderful time on the day, according to ther many responses on Facebook.
Many local traders, shops and stallholders revealed they were delighted with the festive boost for the town.
And a number of people hailed Santa and Mrs Clause for looking so dapper on the big day.
Choose Kilwinning said on their Facebook page: "From our First Aiders to our lovely friends in the Kilwinning Abbey Church, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in our Light-up Festival! When we work together we can make Kilwinning so vibrant."
They thanked the following for their immense help:
Activities: Fire Brigade Heritage, Wellwood Alpacas, Owl Magic, Police Heritage (George), Mrs Claus - Heather, Santa Claus - Mark, Grotto - GB Soundz, Wrestlers - PBW, Selfie Pod - JR Wedding and Events, Historic Environmental Scotland - Laura, Face Painters - Ami & Shannon, Caricature Artist - Scott, Bumper cars/toxic treats - West Coast Castles, Light-up horse - Laura, Kiddie Rides - Shannon, Ayrshire Reindeers, North Ayrshire mobile unit - Kimberly, The Mindful Medium, Stage - Alec.
Support (non sponsor): Abbey Print, Andy Rutherford - Compare, Winton Weddings - stage decor, 1st Alliance, Kilwinning Abbey Church including use of the Abbey Hall and Erskine Hall, Kilwinning Heritage (tower purple), North Ayrshire Council - Events Team, Roads, Waste Management (street scene) and the electricians ensuring our Light Switching-on went smoothly' Corner House & Kilwinning Bowling Club, Nicola Russell Alterations - Mrs Claus Outfit.
Volunteers: Heat Hub (Bridgend Church) - welcoming vendors/activities to the Main Street, Abbey Hall and Erskine Hall, Santa’s Grotto: Amanda McLaughlan, Cameron McLaughlan, Lynn Duggan, Anne Sweet.
Choose Kilwinning Stall & Volunteers: Catherine Jamieson, Jan Stammers, Jean Ferguson, Joe Broussard, Grace & Abbey (Chaperones), Abbey Church - Mrs Claus Story-time: Janey Grier, Elaine Holmes, Fiona Silver, Jennifer & Kennier McCallum.
Fabulous Organisations: Sea Cadets - stamp station duties, Police Youths - Litter Picking, 1st Pennyburn Guides - Indoor Stall and Grotto Duties, Boys Brigade - Litter Picking & queue monitoring, Choose Kilwinning Photographers: Joshua, Martyn (Cain9), Gregor.
The group added: "Also we could not have had our event without our fabulous first aiders from (Coast Watch) and Security Team from RBG."
For many people, though, the true star of the show was the town's 'wonky' Christmas tree - saved from an ignominious exit after townsfolk gave it their overwhelming backing and dismissed the idea it should be replaced by a perpendicular example.
A competition to think up a name for the tree was won by Aileen McMaster, who won a £15 voucher from Koolerz in town after coming up with the name 'Kilwinky'.
All photos were taken by Charlie Gilmour
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