Community spirit shines bright at Kelso's Christmas switch-on

More than 800 people gathered in the Square on Saturday evening to enjoy musical entertainment and welcome Santa as the the tree was illuminated to mark the start of the festive season.

Organised by a small group of volunteers from Kelso Community Events, the event proved that community spirit is still shining bright in the town.

“We had a full sqaure again, I would say probably 800 to 900 people there,” group chairman Peter Fry said. “We had the usual children’s fun, Santa’s grotto, soup in the Royal British Legion, gleuvien and mince pies.”
And with 120 dancers from M-Pulsive Dance, Elite Studio Centre and the Lynella School of Highland Dance, plus music from Sam Johnston, there was plenty for the crowds to enjoy before Santa did the honours with the big switch-on.

Peter added: “Like every year there are a lot of people, who do little bits along the route, to thank, in particular Liz Heard from Kelso pottery who sorts the grotto and helps Santa with his presents and the Royal British Legion which provides the very welcome and very good soup. The Bowling Club’s bingo night on Friday pulled in a £255 donation too, which means we should break even for the first time.”