Kirkcaldy launches Christmas campaign with a difference

That’s the message from the team behind a new campaign which aims to bring some light to what has been the darkest of years.

New town centre group, Love Oor Lang Toun, has teamed up with OnFife and Fife Council to produce a festive campaign with a difference.

It features a mix of online activity, and a message to support local businesses - while also encouraging people to to get involved as much as possible.

This year, more than ever, there is a need for magic and sparkle to bring the festive season alive.

Kirkcaldy will stage its first ever virtual Christmas market which will run for an entire month, and a number of businesses are creating special ‘Festive Fiver’ offers to bring people into the High Street.

And local folk are being urged to take part in a campaign to shine a light on Christmas.

They want to tap into the community spirit so evident throughout lockdown, and take to their doorsteps and light up the town at Christmas.

Cara Forrester, from Love Oor Lang Toun explained: “We might not be able to do the same traditional activities we usually enjoy, but let’s not lose our shine in these darker winter nights. Christmas is not cancelled, it’s just different.

“We want to bring together festive reminders of what’s great about the town – the places and, more importantly, the people.

“We’re asking everyone to help us shine a light this festive season – keep the twinkly, sparkly reminders coming to help us all shine on, and let us know about it so we can make everyone feel part of it.”

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The organisers want people to share their images online to help spread some festive cheer - tag @loveoorlangtoun on social media to take part or email pictures to [email protected]

The Love Oor Lang Toun Festive Fiver promotion, which will run from December 4-18, will see some of the town’s businesses offer selected goods or discounts for £5 .

It hopes to emulate the success of a similar initiative which has been a huge hit in Burntisland.

Cara added: “We would like to encourage people to challenge themselves to buy a stocking filler or two from our amazing business community - or maybe take advantage of one of the discounted offers from one of the shops or cafes.

“The town’s businesses have had a rough year and would really appreciate the support and loyalty of the community.”

Kirkcaldy’s first ever online Christmas fayre, run by LOLT and ShopAppy, will run from November 27 until December 31.

It aims to give people who like to do their Christmas shopping online a way to shop local AND online.

Launching the festive campaign, Michelle Sweeney, OnFife’s director of creative development said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to join together and create some Christmas magic. I can’t wait to see all of the inventive ideas that people come up with."

Councillor Neil Crooks, Kirkcaldy area committee convenor, added: “Covid has changed many things, but community spirit has remained strong and we need that to keep shining on this Christmas.”

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