Kilmarnock’s annual Christmas lights switch-on is the latest event to be axed because of coronavirus.
East Ayrshire Council pulled the plug on the festive celebration as the town continues to feel the full effects of the global pandemic.
Bosses are still anticipating that the usual Christmas lights will still be twinkling in the town come December 25 but there will be no usual switch-on fanfare.
Last year, Killie players Rory McKenzie and Stuart Findlay had the honour of turning on the lights at Kilmarnock Cross in front of hundreds of people.
The packed crowd was also treated to tunes from Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall when it took place at the end of November.
Last year’s event saw various stalls populate the town centre with many families taking advantage of the variety for festive shopping.
An East Ayrshire Council spokeswoman told the Kilmarnock Standard: “Kilmarnock’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event will not be taking place this year.
“It is anticipated that the Christmas lights will be installed as normal.”
However, council chiefs did say that options were being explored for a winter festival to take place across a number of weeks in the lead up to this year’s Christmas festivities.
Pre-event applications for festive community celebrations across East Ayrshire will also have to conform to Scottish Government guidance too.
The spokeswoman added: “East Ayrshire Leisure is currently investigating ideas for a winter festival to take place in Kilmarnock across a number of weekends in November and December.
“The winter festival will engage with communities on a smaller scale, through targeted events that will meet Scottish Government guidelines.
“The council and a range of community groups organise Christmas events with the support of our events and resilience officer.
“This incorporates an impact assessment on whether it’s safe for the event to go ahead.
“To date, we haven’t received any pre-event applications for Christmas lights switch-on events and if we do, we will consider the event based around the Scottish Government’s guidance.”
