WEST FIFERS lined the streets to witness the beginning of the festive season at last Saturday’s Christmas Lights switch-on.

The parade saw Santa Claus riding down the streets before flicking the switch at the Glen Gates with the help of the ‘Little Champions of the Year’ from the Press 2017 Community Champions Awards.

Family fun events took place throughout the day as crowds gathered in the town centre.

Chris Foote, events manager at Dunfermline Delivers, was delighted with this year’s switch-on and told the Press: “It was great fun and it was excellent to see the Little Champions on stage to help Santa.

“The streets were packed and there wasn’t any space to move. It was one of the biggest nights we’ve had, and it was such a perfect night.

“The parade was amazing. You hear people say there’s no community spirit in the town but we had 20 community groups take part.

“We have to thank Fife Council, Dunfermline Area Committee and local business for helping us.

“It’s a lot of hard work to organise but seeing everyone enjoying it makes it worthwhile.”

Before the switch-on, Christmas carols were sung by a choir from the Fife Academy of Performing Arts.

The Kingsgate Shopping Centre hosted a food and crafts event showcasing products from local businesses.

Live entertainment was provided by performers from the Lorraine Taggart School of Dance and Laura McFadden Dance Academy.

Waterstone’s store in the Kingsgate played host to a children’s book festival. Best-selling authors including Alan Windram and Jenny Colgan were in the shop for readings.

All photos by Jim Payne.