The countdown to Christmas in Kirkcaldy is underway with the launch of the schedule for the lights switch-on in the town centre.

Land Toun Lights takes place on Saturday, November 29 with a full day of activities in the High Street,and an invite to everyone to come along and enjoy the spectacle. The day, which runs from midday to 6:00pm, will also feature a collection for Kirkcaldy Foodbank, with people urged to bring along some donations.

The Christmas countdown is being led by Love Oor Lang Toun and funded by Fife Council, and the programme promises music, dance, and festive cheer for all ages.

The pedestrianised zone in the High Street will be buzzing with activity, with local groups and businesses lining the street, including Fife College Student Association, Greener Kirkcaldy, with its elf peddled cargo bike, Cosy Kingdom, Kirkcaldy Men’s Shed, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and Stagecoach East Scotland.

A day of events will mark the Christmas lights switch-on in Kirkcaldy (Pics: Submitted)

placeholder image — A day of events will mark the Christmas lights switch-on in Kirkcaldy (Pics: Submitted)

This year the main stage will be at the bottom of Kirk Wynd, and will host a vibrant line-up of performances throughout the afternoon, curated by Contrived Cabaret before the stars of the town’s two pantos - pantos - Aladdin at The Adam Smith and Oor Wee Mammy Goose at The Kings Theatre - switch on the lights. There will also festivities within the Mercat Shopping Centre with its Christmas lights switch on and the opening of Santa’s Grotto.

Ryan Strachan, development manager at LOLT, said: It has been a pleasure to be given the opportunity to bring Lang Toun Lights to Kirkcaldy, but none of this would have happened if not for all the hardworking community groups working away in the background to support us.

“This will be a full-day community event for the whole family to enjoy. In return, we urge you to support your local foodbank by dropping something off at the many donation points along the High Street.”

The event will also mark the launch of the Lang Toun Xmas programme which aims to replicate the success of this summer’s Lang Toun Fest to promote the events taking place across the town.

Alex Airnes (K107), Angela Campbell (Foodbank), Ryan Strachan (LOLT) launch the foodbank donation appeal (Pic: Submitted)

The main event timings are:

12:00 Santa Parade with Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy

12:30 Main Stage Entertainment (dancers, choirs, bands)

4:30 Lantern Parade

Panto star Kim Shepherd at last year's lights switch-on (Pic: Cath Ruane)

4:30 Meet the Panto Cast (Aladdin & Oor Wee Mammy McGoose)

5:00 Big Light Switch-On with pantomime magic

6:00 Christmas Carols

Lang Toun Lights is a free, family-friendly celebration welcoming everyone to experience the magic of Kirkcaldy at Christmas.

As part of the festivities, community radio station, K107FM, will launch its Christmas Campaign in support of Kirkcaldy Foodbank.

There will be collection points for donations along the High Street when the big event gets underway, and locals are urged to take along essential food items and make a donation to help families in need. The foodbank will also have volunteers present to assist with collections.

Angela Campbell, chair of the foodbank, said: “The festive season puts additional pressure on families who are already struggling to make ends meet. Even with the fantastic support we receive, we are running at a significant financial deficit and any support - both in collections of food and financial donations - is hugely appreciated.”

Ryan Strachan, added: “Lang Toun Lights is a free community event, and the Christmas Collection will help the most vulnerable in society.”

Alex Airnes from K107FM said: “Based on the community feel of last year’s Christmas lights event, we wanted to expand on this and give people a chance to enjoy the festivities and support their community.”

Businesses can also sponsor individual branded boards that will be prominently displayed at high-footfall locations and drop-off points during the event. Each board costs just £70, with £10 from every board going directly to Kirkcaldy Foodbank. Email [email protected] for more information.

> The foodbank is also inviting people to sponsor the cost of a food parcel as a meaningful voucher gift – a way to truly make a difference this festive season.

People can help by encouraging their friends and family to buy a voucher via the foodbank website as part of their Christmas shopping.

More information on the work of Kirkcaldy Foodbank and how to donate food or make a cash donation can be found at kirkcaldyfoodbankcharity.org.uk