Torchlight procession for Inverness Christmas lights switch on

A torchlight procession will be the focus of Inverness Christmas lights switch on this year from Crown Primary School to the Old High Church in Inverness on Sunday 22 November.

Santa and Provost of Inverness and Area Councillor Helen Carmichael will lead the torchlight procession starting from Crown Primary School at 5.45pm to the Old High Church for the city’s Christmas Carol concert ‘Ding Dong Merrily Old High’.

The Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group are pleased to invite one-and-all to this popular festive event which traditionally has seen crowds of up to 5,000 gather in Inverness to view the lights switch on.

The evening will start with the chance for spectators to enjoy a hot drink and entertainment as they gather in the grounds of Crown Primary School to wait for Santa to arrive. All proceeds from the sale of refreshments on the night will go to school funds; and all proceeds from the sale of torches on the night will support the work of the Women’s Refuge in Inverness.

Testing has been undertaken by the Council’s Lighting Department to ensure that the city’s Christmas Lights sparkle into life for families and toddlers as the parade passes by through the City. Arts in Motion will complement the work to illuminate the city centre on the night with a large-scale projection on the walls of Abertarff House in Church Street.  

Provost of the City of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael said: “I am really looking forward to officially launching the countdown to Christmas on what is always one of the most enjoyable nights of the year in Inverness.”

Councillor Glynis Sinclair, Chair of Inverness Events and Festival’s Working Group added: “Anyone who wants to join in and see the Christmas Lights switch on can follow the parade and see the spectacle as its passes through the city centre. Please meet at Crown Primary school as there won’t be the usual event at the Town House due to the renovation works taking place there.”

The torchlight procession and Christmas lights switch on is part of the Inverness Events and Festivals Programme which is funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund with the support of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.