THIS year's Government-backed St Andrews Festival got off to a fine start on Sunday with 'Fun in the Garden'.
And a packed weekend of attractions this Saturday and Sunday will keep the high-profile festivities flowing.
'Fun In the Garden' gave visitors a free chance to explore St Andrews Botanic Gardens in Canongate and take part in some exciting activiti
es.
Some 200 people braved the snowy weather to enjoy the outdoors and were rewarded with the garden looking beautiful.
Other events this week have included live music and drama sessions, special church services, a number of exhibitions.
On St Andrews Day itself, St Andrews Castle and Cathedral will be open to the public, free, while the R&A Clubhouse and Lodge St Andrews No 25 will also open their doors.
The highlight of the big day, however, should be the much-hyped 'Son et Lumiere' sound and light — Scotland the Highlights — staged in St Mary's Quad on both Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Scotland's epic past will be illustrated in a series of vivid snapshots on to the historic surroundings.
ETC, the company responsible for the stunning backdrops at the Edinburgh Tattoo, will stage the event, featuring music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers' newest release 'Blast Live', Phil Cunningham's unreleased composition 'Little Big Land' and the musical 'Clarinda'.
In 2009, as part of Scotland's official 'Homecoming' celebration, plans are to stage 10 'Son et Lumieres' throughout the town, depicting different aspects of Scotland's history, culture and heritage.
"St Andrews' medieval buildings will create a spectacular backdrop, as Chartres does in France'' said festival director Rob Murray Brown.
"The 2009 festival will encompass the arts, music, drama, outdoor leisure pursuits and sport — giving a complete panorama of Scottish culture and lifestyle.''
Beginning around noon on Sunday, there will be live stage entertainment in Market Street and stalls in Church Square, with the switch-on of the Christmas lights at 5pm.
Torches will be on sale beforehand for the procession to St Mary's Quad in South Street, which follows the Beating Retreat by City of St Andrews Pipe Band.
Later there will be a play by Madras College about founder Andrew Bell and then the lighting of torches in St Mary's, followed by the procession to the castle.
After a live rendition of 'Vir Perfecte' and the St Andrews Day Address, 'Son et Lumiere' takes the stage, while there will also be live music at the Byre Theatre bistro.
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