Helensburgh is getting set for this weekend’s winter festival, with news that it is one of Scotland’s top ten Instagram-worthy festive events.
A packed schedule of stage shows is planned, while a new gin is being launched and the annual Santa Dash promises to be a highlight.
New data from Protectivity Event Insurance has revealed the most Instagram-worthy Christmas events in Scotland, with Helensburgh Winter Festival taking ninth spot with 73 posts – just ahead of the Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Festival committee chair Gail Broadhurst,was delighted to hear the event had ranked so highly, saying: “Wow! That is just incredible news.”
Protectivity analysed and ranked over 84,000 Instagram posts featuring location-specific hashtags for 42 Scottish Christmas events to create their list of Scotland’s top Christmas spots.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “This scenic coastal town is affectionately known as ‘The Christmas Town’ by locals, and for good reason.
“Despite only running for one weekend, this event packs in a Santa dash, live stage entertainment, Santa’s Grotto, Fairground Rides, and a Christmas market with around 100 stalls.”
The event will be officially opened at 12 noon on Saturday by Claudia Francesca Todd (right), Miss Scotland 2021 and Miss Universe GB finalist, but things will be under way before then, with the Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band performing from 10am.
One of the stalls will be taken by Townhead Farm, who as well as selling their famous meat and eggs will be selling their bramble liqueur gin for the first time.
It’s named Jelly Legs, after a gutsy little lamb who survived against incredible odds, and is said to be just as gutsy, but full of flavour – and drinking too much could give you jelly legs!
Headliners for the weekend, Sean Findlay with Adam Smith, are on stage at 10.35am tomorrow followed by our favourite local piper and crooner, Mark J Morrison Bagpiper, then the extremely talented duo Spence & Aitcheson Music
Once everyone returns to the square after the Santa Dash, there is a treat in store for younger visitors, as the Real Tinkerbell and Wendy from Peter Pan (courtesy of Wicked Entertainment) are coming all the way from Neverland to have a singalong on stage – they will then be around the square all afternoon for photo opportunities.
HMS Neptune Volunteer Band is back with us this year too, from around 1.40pm and then Paul Mckenzie’s Boogie Box Jive will be performing for the first time at the event.
James Aitcheson will be singing from 2.50pm followed by the Margaret Rose School of Dance then Saturday will finish with a festive singalong with host David Dennett from Lomond Radio and G8 Promotions.
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