Cheers and smiles as thousands see Christmas parade light up Aberdeen street

Thousands lined Union Street for a colourful parade to switch on the city’s Christmas lights.

Young and old had smiles on their faces as they enjoyed the annual festive extravaganza that brings the city street to life.

This year’s celebrations are headed up by the Aberdeen Winter Festival – run by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired along with Aberdeen City Council.

Huge cheers went up from the Granite Mile as the lights turned on in succession with the parade continuing along the street.

The Lord Provost George Adam led the parade, which started from Albyn Place and travelled down Union Street to the Castlegate. He was joined by community stars – people selected by councillors for making a difference in their communities.

A theme is picked each year for the Christmas Lights Switch-on Parade, with previous years featuring the 12 days of Christmas.

The event in 2014 was watched by more than 20,000 people and this year again saw thousands turn out to see the snow and ice theme spectacle.

The parade was packed with surprises with reindeer on Segways and the traditional tones of bagpipes – which were decorated with festive lights.

A procession of floats – including one with Santa himself – travelled along the street. There were plenty of festive favourites and children’s characters such as cheeky Minions who waved to the cheering crowds.

Those who turned out to see the parade wrapped up warm and were not left disappointed.

Arthur Joss, 48, of Froghall, said: “The parade was good, you never normally see this many people on Union Street so it is great to see so many people and the kids loved it.”

Karen Timms was equally delighted.

“We never normally stand at the Castlegate side so it was great fun watching the parade coming towards you and the lights switching on,” the 42-year-old from the West End said.

Included in the parade was a nativity scene, young stars of the Aladdin panto at the Tivoli Theatre, snowflakes and youngsters from city hockey team the Aberdeen Lynx.

Steven Riddell, 37, from Bridge of Don, attended the parade with his eight-year-old son Glenn, pictured inset.

“I think the parade was fantastic,” he said. “We come every year but this year has been the best in my eyes, the council has done a great job.”

Elizabeth Martin was at the switch-on with her daughters Hannah, 8, and Lucy, 5, pictured top.

“We all really enjoyed the parade. The kids’ favourite parts was waving to everyone and seeing Santa,” the 46-year-old from Mannofield said.

The Lord Provost added that he always appreciated the effort that went in to bringing the parade together.

He said: “It is always one of the highs of the year and good to see so many people and young children with smiles on their faces.

“The whole winter offering is bigger and building on the success of last year with the winter village, maze and everything associated with it. I think this is all worth celebrating and everyone will enjoy it.

“I love the parade and I love the lights, the lights are always spectacular and in the dark days of winter they really liven up and brighten up the city.”

Earlier, the Trinity Centre’s annual Santa and Reindeer Parade filled the Sunday afternoon with Christmas magic and cheer for children. Santa was joined by special guests from The Cairngorm Reindeer centre, welcoming people and handing out free goodies.

The parade followed the opening of the Aberdeen Christmas Village on Friday. A large open air ice rink, festive fairground rides and for the first time a Christmas tree maze are all a part of the village.

The maze is scheduled to remain open until Hogmanay with the village and entertainment marquee featuring live music closing on Sunday, January 8.

The city’s Christmas tree’s lights were switched on during an event on Thursday. The tree was a gift from Norwegian twin city Stavanger.