Chilly Angus residents were given their first warming taste of Christmas cheer when Santa Claus and his friends helped out at Forfar’s festive lights.
Forfar Rotary Club brought Saint Nicholas to The Cross to greet the children in the crowd along with popular characters from the town’s annual pantomime, Cinderella.
And Forfar Instrumental Band played for the crowd in accompanying carol singers.
Celebrations culminated with the lights being switched on by the town’s new famous son – Forfar Athletic’s mascot Baxter the Bridie.
Rotary president Bill Reid and Major Jim McCluskey welcomed hundreds of festive folk and introduced their guests, the main characters from children’s favourite animated film Frozen: Elsa, Anna, and the snowman Olaf.
Mr Reid thanked the volunteer stewards, local authority and police for helping put the event together.
The highlight of the night for many children was the chance to meet Santa and his helper elf in an new Rotary sleigh, which stayed in Castle Street until every child got fruit, donated by local supermarkets.
Other burgh towns in Angus have their switch-ons as follows: Brechin – 11am on Saturday, Kirriemuir’s – same day at 4.30pm, Carnoustie – Sunday at 4pm, Monifieth – December 2 at 5pm, Arbroath – December 2 at 6pm, and Montrose – December 3 at 4pm.
