Cardwell Garden Centre welcomes hundreds to Christmas event

Cardwell Garden Centre welcomed almost 1,000 visitors to its festive event, at which Jon Jai Stanton and Aria Mearns lit up its outdoor area.

The pair, both from Greenock, were chosen after the public were asked to nominate a VIP for the switch on.

Aria, 7, has been living with severe eczema since she was a baby, while 12-year-old Jon Jai is currently undergoing chemotherapy for blood cancer.

READ MORE: Youngsters chosen to switch on Cardwell Christmas lights 

Aria was nominated for the job by her proud mum Lesley, while family friend Gillian Watson put forward Jon Jai's name.

During the Christmas lights switch on, crowds were entertained with carols by the Ardgowan Singers, the local Salvation Army Band, a face painter and a DJ playing popular festive hits.

The garden centre’s carnival and Santa’s Grotto also welcomed visitors on the night.

Cardwell’s retail general manager Paul Carmichael said: “We had a fantastic turnout for our Christmas lights switch-on and it’s set everyone up nicely for all the fun events and activities as we head to the big day itself.

“We’d like to thank everyone who came along and a special mention goes to Jon Jai and Aria who did a great job switching on our Christmas lights.

Almost 1,000 people attended the event (Image: Cardwell Garden Centre) “We also can’t wait until our next big event, which is the Big Christmas Weekend on November 30 and December 1.”

Throughout November, the grotto and carnival rides will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm until 5pm.

On November 30, the attractions will open at 10am.

In December, the opening times will be 12:30pm-5pm between Wednesday and Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.