JOHNSTONE lit up for the festive season this weekend with the annual Christmas Lights Switch On.

Visitors to the town centre enjoyed an afternoon of festive fun before Depute Provost Cathy McEwan performed the big light up.

Tilly Shearon, aged eight, from St Anthony’s Primary School in Johnstone, who designed a winning Christmas card in the Provost’s annual competition, helped push the button on this year’s display.

The event arrives as Paisley bids to be named UK City of Culture 2021 was part of the town’s Winter Events programme.

Depute Provost McEwan said: “This year’s Johnstone Christmas lights switch on was a great event and it’s always a lovely way to see in the start of the festive season.

“It was especially lovely to see so many of our young people out and about enjoying all the activities and of course meeting Santa.”

Festive shoppers made a start on the gift list at two Christmas markets, while a magician entertained the younger customers. There was also a funfair in the square provided thrills, along with face painters and stilt walkers, with circus workshops.