FESTIVE joy filled the streets in Peebles at the weekend as the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on returned following the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors to the town and locals alike were treated to an afternoon filled with music and plenty of opportunities to find great gifts.

At 5.30pm the lights were turned on by Paul Spence and Sophie Hamilton, the founders of the Peebles COVID-19 Mutual Support Group at the start of the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Peebles Christmas Lights Association – which organised the event – shared on social media: “The people of Peebles and beyond you really are amazing, what an outstanding turnout this afternoon. We could not of wished for a better crowd of people.

“The gamble well and truly paid off and our Association is very grateful.

“A huge thank you to all the stall holders and local businesses for their support today also, this would not of been possible without you all.

“This is all put together and run by a small band of volunteers who have put hundreds of man hours into making this all possible, some of whom have been out since mid morning clearing cars from the street ready for the build up.

“They all do this for the love of the town and what joy it brings to the town we try to keep everybody happy but sometimes this is just not possible.”

Musical performances on the day came courtesy of Peebles Burgh Silver Band, Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band, InChorus, and The Taylor Brothers. And stalls at the Christmas market along the High Street offered art, clothing, homewares and local produce.