Lighting-up time goes with a bang!

AROUND 17,000 people braved Glasgow’s wild weather last night to be at George Square’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Thousands of families stood in the wind and lashing rain as the city was transformed into a festive wonderland, the illuminations sending a warm glow of light over the huddled masses.

Children were transfixed as fireworks streaked above the City Chambers for 15 minutes to a sound-track of Christmas hits.

Lord Provost Liz Cameron and Switch-On competition winner Louis Feighan, 10, of Condoratt, Cumbernauld, threw the switch after a countdown.

The Lord Provost said: “Glaswegians weren’t about to let some rain spoil the lights switch-on.

“The lights look spectacular and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I know I had a great time.”

The number attending was down on the 22,000 who turned out last year after tickets were restricted.

However, there was something for everyone on the night, from a Gaelic choir, to a Bollywood extravaganza.

There was also music from the indie-rock band the Hazey Janes and Clyde One DJ George Bowie blasted chart hits and Christmas songs into George Square throughout the event.

Jackie Simpson, 34, watched the switch-on with sons Jamie, 4, and Kieran, 6.

Support worker Jackie, of Motherwell, said: “It’s always great fun. I did consider missing this year as the weather was so bad, but I knew Jamie and Kieran would be disappointed.”

Another parent who braved the rain for his children’s wishes was Dr Jonathan Patterson, 45, of Shawlands. Sheltering son Hugh, 3, and daughter Hannah, 8, from the rain, he said: “We are all soaked but we enjoyed it anyway.

“The only criticism I have is that there should have been more than one entrance to the square as those coming off the trains at Queen Street and Central Stations had to walk to the opposite side of the square.”