Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend as Barrhead is set to be transformed into a Winter Wonderland. 

As the most wonderful time of the year beckons, the town is preparing for the countdown to Christmas with the annual event which will see a merry medley of activities on offer for the whole family on Saturday.

Promising to be bigger and better than last year’s event, which saw more than 5,000 visitors donning their tinsel and gathering in the town centre to welcome the holiday period, fun-filled festivities are set begin at noon and continue until 5.30pm.

This year, organisers Business Improvement Disrtict (BID) organisation, All About Barrhead, will be pulling out all of the stops to ensure residents have a jolly time with a Santa Express train delivering the man himself from the Foundry to the centre at the beginning of the event. 

Visitors can then take trips on the lively locomotive as it travels to and from the Foundry, where a festive funfair will offer up a gleeful gathering of rides and a mini Ferris wheel to keep youngsters smiling.

While the kids enjoy all the fun of the fair, adults can squeeze in some shopping at the Christmas market which will be set up in front of Asda and made up of around 20 stalls selling perfect presents.

Hanging around to see if you’ve been naughty or nice, Mr Claus will also be meeting guests in his grotto alongside his elves.

In addition, keeping spirits high, Pulse FM will be entertaining everyone with a magical mash-up of musical acts who will perform throughout the day.

And as the night draws in, a special Christmas card design competition will give one lucky youngster the chance to launch the biggest firework finale that Barrhead has ever seen at 5.30pm.

BID Manager, Andy Dunlop, said: “We had a blast at the 2017 event, as always the community really got behind the event and turned out in their thousands to bring in the festive season.”

BID Chairman, Paul Santi, added: “It’s great seeing all the families of the town coming out and supporting these events – and local businesses. The community spirit in Barrhead is second to none.”

To take part in the Christmas card design competition, you can pick up a card in most Barrhead shops. Entries accepted until 5pm on Friday.