CHRISTMAS will come to Dunfermline on Saturday with the annual lights switch-on set to round off a day of festive fun.

The party will begin at 2pm with a Santa Dash organised by the Rotary Club of Dunfermline which will start outside Marks and Spencers.

Organiser of the Dash, Graham Steedman, said: “Entries have been flowing in but more are always welcome and the weather forecast promises to be good.”

On-the-day registration opens from 1pm at the event mustering point at the Walmer House car park of Malcolm, Jack & Matheson, solicitors, in Walmer Drive, off East Port, Dunfermline, while online registration is open for the revived event, which will again add an optional 5K race around Pittencrieff Park.

The event is open to participants of all ages and abilities, with every entrant receiving a Santa suit and beard (one size fits all) and a participant’s medal. Entry fee is £10 per dasher/runner, with children under 16 taking part free.

While as event organisers, the Rotary club will channel the proceeds to local charities, they are also encouraging individual or team entrants to use the Dash as a vehicle to attract their own sponsorship and raise money for a charity of their choice. Enquiries can be emailed to info@santadashdunfermline.co.uk and prospective participants can register online via the dedicated event website at santadashdunfermline.co.uk

When he gets his breath back, Santa will set off in his sleigh with the Reindeer Parade at 4.30pm and travel from East Port along the High Street right down to Pittencrieff Park gates.

This all leads up to the traditional gathering at the City Chambers for the countdown to the lights switch-on at 5pm.

From the first floor balcony, Provost Jim Leishman, accompanied by area convener Councillor Helen Law, will address the crowds, conduct the traditional countdown, and flip the switch for this year’s lights.

Provost Leishman said: “It's really important that we make this a family-friendly, exciting event for the children. Being able to bring the Cairngorm reindeer and Santa's sleigh here for the first time after many years will bring much-needed excitement to the evening. We're all children at heart, and this will be an occasion for everyone to come and enjoy.”

Councillor Law added: “Life may not have returned to normal, and it would be difficult to arrange the big parade we would have liked, but I know the children will be excited to see Santa with his reindeers and sleigh. There may even be some surprise guests with Santa.

"We need to continue to support our Dunfermline town centre businesses, now more than ever. So, enjoy the festivities and celebrate all that Dunfermline has to offer.”

In order to ensure the event enjoys a safe, traffic-free environment for families to come and enjoy the day, the High Street, Bridge Street and Abbot Street will be closed to all traffic from midday to 6.30pm.