Inverness Christmas lights switch on.

The countdown to Christmas will officially get underway in the Highland capital on Sunday (17 November 2013) when the Inverness Christmas lights are officially switched on by Provost Alex Graham and Santa Claus at 6pm.

The festivities get under at 5.30pm when Evanton based Arts in Motion will animate Inverness Town House with a spectacular projection display and STV Presenter Nicola McAlley will take to the stage to host a 30 minute musical show featuring TFX Performing Arts Academy, Fiddle Forte, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Group and Ashley and Ben. Also taking part in the show will be performers from Fly Agaric and Mascot Madness.

After the lights are switched on, the Provost and Santa will make their way to the Old High Church for the city’s traditional Christmas Carol Service “Ding Dong Merrily Old High” hosted by the Reverend Peter Nimmo which starts at 6.30pm. The short service is aimed at families, and children of all ages are very welcome to attend the event, which this year will feature ’Out of the Box’ and their puppets who will be telling the Christmas story in their own inimitable way.

Due to the numbers who are expected to attend the event, road closures will be in operation on the night, and drivers are asked to note the following road closures which will be in operation between 5pm and 6.30pm. The roads that will be closed will be Bridge Street, High Street, Castle Street and Castle Wynd.

The closure will affect vehicular traffic, but pedestrian access and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Alternative routes for vehicles will be available using Culduthel Road, Old Edinburgh Road, View Place, Haugh Road, Ness Bank and Cavell Gardens, Castle Road, Bridge Street (part), Bank Street, Friars Lane, Academy Street.