SPARKLE season officially started in Greenock on Thursday night at the town's Christmas lights switch-on. 

Hundreds of people made their way to Cathcart Square and gathered in front of Wellpark Mid Kirk to see the festive decorations illuminated. 

Inverclyde's Depute Provost Graeme Brooks pressed the button to light up the town, with help from Beacon Arts Centre panto stars Jimmy Chisholm and Lee Samuel, and from Santa himself. 

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Councillor Brooks said he felt 'very privileged' to be asked to kick Greenock's festive season off in style. 

He added: "It was a fantastic event. I was really pleased to see the crowds from Greenock coming out to see the first switch on of the lights in Inverclyde this year. 

@greenocktele Christmas lights switch-on in Greenock #christmas #xmaslights #santa #greenock #localjournalism ♬ Christmas Theme - Sound Gallery by Dmitry Taras

 

"Inverclyde has a very strong community atmosphere and theses event are always a great opportunity for people to come together. 

"It's a real family event and helps us to make the first mark on the Christmas season."

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Councillor Brooks said Inverclyde Council always puts a lot of energy and resources into the community switch-ons. 

He thanked the team at Wellpark Mid Kirk for their support and said it felt very poignant to be standing in front of the historic church for the switch-on. 

He added: "It think it was very appropriate that standing in front of a church. 

"Christmas is a Christian festival and it's important that we remember the reason for the season."

Beacon Arts Centre panto stars Jimmy Chisholm and Lee Samuel entertained the crowds and added even more fun and sparkle to the event. 

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Jimmy plays Dame Trot in this year's show, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Lee plays Wacky Willy, alongside still game stars Jane McCarry, and Mark Cox. 

This year's Christmas show is the Beacon's third in-house panto, and bosses at the arts centre say it's going to be a 'giant' of a production. 

A spokesperson for Beacon Arts Centre said: "This year's panto day theme is 'Year of Family', and who better to get the crowds going at Greenock's Christmas light switch on than members of The Trots family!

"It was a fantastic turnout for the event and an amazing audience reaction for our panto stars."