THE FESTIVE season officially kicked off in Alloa last weekend as the crowds flocked in for the Christmas Lights switch-on.

The town was one of the few places in Scotland to hold the event on Saturday after a two-year hiatus of the tradition.

Entertainment was showcased by the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band, Sauchie Community Choir, solo performers Craig Miller and Michael Morrison, Forefront Stage School and more.

The finale saw Santa and Provost Tina Murphy switch on the town's Christmas lights.

Market stalls opened up on Saturday morning with Santa and his grotto, trishaw rides with Rudolph, face painting, memory baubles - plus the town's very own Woolly Wonderland – providing fun throughout the day.

Diane Brown from Alloa First said: "As nothing could happen last year we were very keen to do it.

"The switch-on is paid for by the local businesses as part of the Business Improvement District.

"There was a great atmosphere, it was a fun-filled day for everyone after not managing to have any of these sorts of events for two years.

"All businesses all reported a great volume of the trading too.

"We would like to thank everyone that attended the switch-on as well as the local community groups that were all involved."