LAST Christmas, Peebles High Street was aglow with lights, but the festive spirit at the most wonderful time of year was missing.

It was, as many called it, a COVID Christmas.

Light switch-on events were cancelled and the streets, usually filled with people enjoying mulled wine while listening to the children singing carols, were empty.

However, ‘tis the season to be jolly this year, and Christmas in Peebles will begin early – with the grand switch-on happening at the end of November.

Spirited volunteers got together on Sunday, November 7 and are busy working to create a dazzling event for the community.

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Committee member Malcolm Bruce said: “The installation work is going well this year despite an early delay due to inclement weather. The next stage will see us working with a high reach machine installing the big wall decorations and the ‘Welcome to Peebles’ sign at the Leckie Church.

“These didn’t all make an appearance last year due to COVID working restrictions, so it will be nice to see the streets back to being fully illuminated.”

The organisation has also invested a considerable sum of money this year in moving entirely to LED bulbs.

“These save on power and are much safer to handle when up a ladder,” said Malcolm. The committee is also calling for some younger elves to join the merry team.

Malcolm added: “We are a happy bunch of volunteers who spend a lot of time in the run-up to December installing the lights for the pleasure of the people of Peebles.

“We are an ageing group, and it would be great if some younger members of the community could join us in future to learn the ropes and maybe take over when they are ready to. If folks don’t feel confident about climbing ladders, there is always room for more volunteers on our committee doing the background work.

“The display is made possible, not only by volunteers, but with the ongoing support we receive from Stobo Castle Spa and from those premises who donate the power for the lights each year, as well as Peebles Callants Club, who also contribute towards the power costs.”

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The Christmas lights will be switched on by Sophie Hamilton and Paul Spence, joint co-ordinators of the Peebles COVID-19 Support Group, on Sunday, November 28. The event will take place on the High Street from 3pm to 7pm.