THE organisers of Largs Yuletide have had to call off the festive spectacular for the first time in 30 years

Ian Murdoch, who is chair of Largs Events committee, says he is bitterly disappointed that the annual late night shopping cavalcade and Christmas parade has had to be scrapped.

He says however the success of the Saturday market at Gallowgate Square has given organisers hope they can provide a themed alternative to fill the void.

He said: It is very disappointing and unfortunate that Yuletide will not go ahead this year due to coronavirus restrictions and the overall situation we have found ourselves in during 2020.

"Largs Events has decided to make every effort to still create a Christmas atmosphere in the town and celebrate the season as best we can.

"The committee will hold Christmas-themed markets on November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19.

"We are exploring ways of creating as normal a Christmas vibe as possible and will try our hardest to have Santa in attendance at some point.

"This may have to be behind a perspex screen but we want to try and provide something for the kids.

"We have also discussed asking Santa to travel around the town on his sleigh or other form of transport to keep things outdoors, which may be more in keeping with guidelines."

Plans for the festive illuminations are already underway.

Ian explained: "These will be installed as usual and I will be meeting on site this week with council officers from Streetscene and the roads department to discuss their erection."

Largs Events have to fill out the applications to North Ayrshire Council and Amey Highways/Transport Scotland in order to obtain the permits which allow installation.

The events body also has to take out insurance for the lights, which comes from Largs Events' funds. The group has charitable status and us accepting donations towards meeting costs by way of collection tins in many of the shops and businesses around the town, as well as buckets at Largs Market on Saturdays.

If anyone wants to make a donation by another method you can contact the chairman on 07944 722 027 or send a private message through the Largs Events Facebook page and bank account details will be provided along with the SCIO number.

Mr Murdoch added: "Largs Events will continue to plan events for 2021, providing Scottish Government guidance allows us to do so at the time."