Crowds turn out for Hawick's Christmas parade

Santa and Marion Short, Chair of Hawick Community Council prepare to turn the Christmas lights on. SR BMCB 10

Festive cheer aplenty was on offer as crowds turned out to watch Hawick's Christmas parade last night.

More than 350 Teries of all ages turned out full of Christmas spirit in their fancy-dress costumes as hundreds more cheered them on.

Hawick fire brigade led the way as the parade marched through the town from Duke Street, through Trinity Gardens and up to High Street.

Santa Claus followed in his sleigh while the Hawick Scout Pipe Band, dressed in Santa outfits, played Christmas tunes.

Hawick High School Penguins, Abbie McCaughey, Eidann Pretswell, Nicky Sutherland, Amy Khoury and Sinead McHugh on parade at the christmas lights SR BMCB 18

The parade stopped at the Christmas tree, where Santa received a big welcome as he kicked off the countdown to the town’s festive lights switch-on.

Community councillor Greg McLeod said: “It’s been tremendous, and it’s great for the kids. There has been a fantastic turnout, and the schools have all put in a big effort.

“A big thank-you goes to the parents for the great costumes and to all the volunteers and to everyone involved. It’s a great way to kick-start the season.”

The parade comprised floats and fancy-dress displays from pupils at the town’s Trinity Primary School, Burnfoot Community School, Drumlanrig St Cuthbert’s and high school.

David Growden and Alexander Bathgate of Hawick Scout Band on Parade at the Christmas festivities SR BMCB 25

The children lit up the parade with coloured lights incorporated into costumes of Christmas presents, angels and penguins.

Maxton’s Beat Pulse Dance studio also illuminated the parade, with fluorescent outfits and glowsticks, while Hawick’s Young Farmers, dressed up as penguins, roared through on a decorated tractor.

The costumes were praised by onlookers, with Hawick News columnist Suzanne Neilson saying: “it wasn’t long enough. I loved it, and the costumes were very good. The kids looked great”.

Marj Stokes, a newcomer to the town, said: “This is my first Christmas here as we have just moved to the area. It was a lovely show with all the kids.

Cheryl Brydon, Ezra Jackson and Kirsty Brydon from Hawick in town to see the Christmas lights turned on SR BMCB 30

“The effort the kids and the schools have gone to with the costumes is great.”

Representatives from the fire brigade also handed out sweets to all the children along the way.

Fireman Derek Gordon, of the town’s fire station, said: “ It’s been an exceptional evening.

“We gave out sweets and it’s great to see the joy on the kids’ faces and those of the parents too. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”

Look out for more photos in next week’s Hawick News and Southern Reporter.