Bumper crowds expected at Ness Islands Lights show

The Inverness Winter Festival organisers are looking forward to welcoming bumper crowds to this weekend's Ness Islands and Whin Park events. 

More than 10,000 visitors enjoyed the two-day 2008 Ness Islands Lights Show and following the arrival of 12,000 visitors for the Halloween event, another large turn out is expected for one of the largest theatrical experiences to be staged in the Highlands this year.    

While the exact details of the surprises that are planned will only be revealed when the show opens, the 2009 Ness Islands Lights show is being organised by the same Eden Court Theatre team that produced the successful Halloween Show with the Arts in Motion and The Highland Council's Lighting Department working together to create a winter wonderland of illuminated features around a 1,300 metre circuit.  

Ness Islands Lights will be staged on the evenings of Friday 18th December 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December from 4pm to 7pm.
 
One of the big changes that made from last year's event is that Santa Claus and his Reindeer have been given their own earlier show and have been relocated from Ness Islands to nearby Whin Park for two afternoon events in order to cater for the youngest members of our community. Families visiting Whin Park will also be able to enjoy free rides on the Whin Park Railway and the Whin Park event will be open from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Inverness Festival Organiser Councillor Peter Corbett said: "We are looking forward to welcoming bumper crowds to Ness Islands and Whin Park for what is sure to be a wonderful Christmas experience for children of all ages."