THE date of Cowdenbeath's Christmas lights switch-on has been confirmed, but no 'formal event' will take place this year.

Cowdenbeath Community Council provided an update last night (Monday) stating that the lights will be switched on this Sunday, but it will not be the same as in previous years.

Outlining the situation, a spokesperson said: "Hello everyone. Just to let you know that Cowdenbeath Christmas Lights will be switched on from November 28 (Sunday).

"But sadly there will be no formal Christmas Switch On Event.

"The process for organising the Christmas Lights has changed this year. The contract between Fife Council and the company who managed the Cowdenbeath lighting arrangements came to an end. Following discussions with Fife Council, Cowdenbeath Community Council agreed to take responsibility for the Christmas Lighting, hoping to work with Cowdenbeath Civic Week Committee.

"Sadly, Civic Week Committee who organise the Christmas Switch-on (and the Children’s Christmas Party) are unable to do these events this year as they do not have enough volunteers. A big disappointment for all concerned.

"The Community Council has had to take a different approach as there is not the same level of funding available. We now have had to purchase lights and pay to have them installed. This means that the Christmas lights will be different this year.

"The Community Council are grateful to the 4-Winds Trust who approved their application for funding towards some Christmas lights and to local firm MAR scaffolding who have kindly agreed to donate scaffold for our Merry Christmas Cowdenbeath sign in the Green Square.

"The Community Council are also hoping that Fife Council can get the Winter Lighting working on the trees at the entrance to Morrisons, Stenhouse Street and the Leisure Centre. This lighting will greatly help to light up our town."

More to follow.