Excitement is building for this year's Largs Yuletide night, taking place on Thursday 3rd December, and it promises to be the biggest and best Yuletide in years; an evening of festive fireworks and fun for all the family.

The firework spectacular, which starts at 8.20pm, has got the go-ahead from Calmac to be even better than last year too.

Duncan Conner, Proprietor of the Bus Stop Toy Shop, and the man behind much of Largs festive initiative, said: “The parade will be longer as well, with many of the town’s businesses and youth organisations keen of be part of this historic annual event lead by Santa in his sea style sleigh supplied by DDZ Marine!”

This year’s Yuletide Parade leaves Kwik Fit on Irvine Road at 6.30pm, travels down Main Street then on to Gallowgate Street, where Father Christmas will disembark from his sea sleigh and head to his Grotto in Helter Skelter, the town’s teenage cafe.

This new Grotto location of Helter Skelter, in Gallowgate Street, will be open for one night only instead of the longer running times and dates of previous years. It will be open from 7-9pm, and costs £3 entry.

John Hamilton, BID Manager for Largs, said: “In true Christmas spirit, special thanks must go to local businessman Daniel McKinnon, of McKinnon Builders in Largs, for his amazing generosity in prepping, waterproofing and painting the outside of Helter Skelter free of charge. All paints and materials were supplied free of charge by Jewsons.

And finally, thank you to M&J Builders who have donated materials to create the Grotto. "

* For the first time, fairground rides will be located in Crawford Street and a stage for live entertainment in placed Tron Place, both streets have been specially closed for the event.

Entertainment for all the family plays a big part in this year’s Yuletide. A specially erected covered staging area will see performances from Brisbane Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Largs Youth Theatre, The Upbeats, Largs Rock Choir, Largs Gaelic Choir and Largs Community Choir.

Additionally, various Largs businesses have booked Largs Evangelical Choir, a piper, a magician, a face painter and poetry readings. Largs Evangelical Choir will be singing in Main Street outside the Bagel Basket and thrill seekers of all ages can also enjoy various fairground rides placed in town too. Largs Thistle FC will also have a stall, as will the Royal British Legion Largs branch.

Other local businesses will be arranging their own festive treats for customers and there will be a plethora of food and drink stalls, plus places to make donations to local charity groups.

* Treasure Hunt - 4 x £25 prizes to be won - entry forms from Cafe Bon Bon and Bus Stop Toy Shop.

* Santa's Fun Run - Starts at 12 noon and organised by Largs Rotary, entry free £5, pre-registration enquiries call 07967 946215. Assemble on the prom near The Bean and Leaf restaurant.

* Road closures for this year’s Largs Yuletide on Thursday 3rd December have been arranged to accommodate on street entertainment. Both Tron Place and Crawford Street, next to The Station/McCabe’s pub, will be closed from 00:01 hours on Thursday 3rd December for the Largs Yuletide Festivities. No parking will be permitted in these roads during this time to allow an entertainment stage and fairground rides to be installed.

Diversions will be put in place and should you have any queries regarding this Order please should be addressed to Glenmavis Traffic Management on 01294 645564.

* Café Bon Bon, in Gallowgate Street, has booked a magician and family photo company, whilst Green Shutters stage Poems and Pints plus gluwein and mince pies.

Ye Old Anchor is serving soup and mince pies with an extra special seasonal offer of a roaring fire and Waterside pub will be staging live music.

Moorings Knitwear has a piper, food, wine, free raffle on Hawick knitwear purchases and 20% discount.

The Bagel Basket offers a face painter, mulled wine and mince pies. The Largs Evangelical Choir will also be performing outside the café.

Especially for sweet toothed festive friends, Continental is offering tablet, priced at £3, £5, £6. And, if you buy five of one size, you’ll get one free!

The Wee Craft Shop will be inviting you to a tablet tasting and a wee dram on the night plus 10% discounts off all goods throughout the day and evening too. The Bus Stop Toy Shop and Blue Stone Gifts both have drinks and nibbles plus 10% off purchases.

And that’s not all, Largs Town Twinning, Largs Rotary, and Largs Academy will also be taking part in the celebrations.