The Largs Events Groups have rallied to save Christmas as they agree to take on Yuletide night with an all new date.

The group which is responsible for managing Gallowgate Square has stepped up offering to ensure the continuation of the annual Christmas celebrations in the town.

Following the collapse of the Largs BID group, which ran the festivities last year, Largs Events are ensuring this does not mean the end of Yuletide.

With an all new date for the event, it will be remember, remember the 5th of December.

Largs Events Chair, Councillor Alan Hill, said: “Yuletide Night is an institution which has been on the go for many years and is much enjoyed by local people.

“It looked as though the event might not happen this year so, after some discussion, we agreed to take on the organisation.

“We have been extremely lucky to secure the help of Duncan Connor of Bus Stop Toy Shop, who has been involved in organising Yuletide over the last few years.”

Whilst the festivities usually took place on a Thursday other events in the town have resulted in the decision to make Yuletide a day earlier on the Wednesday.

Councillor Hill added: “The Players Pantomime, which is always sold out, has its opening night on Thursday December 6, so to allow everyone the opportunity of coming along we decided to make Yuletide Wednesday December 5 for a change.

“The opening night of the pantomime, which is usually a sell-out, means that around 450 local people would not get a chance to come along and join the festivities.

“So, for that reason we felt it was worth trying the event on a different evening.

“We hope that people, and local businesses in particular, will understand our reasons for this.”

Largs events have also decided to organise the event without fairground activities in the main street, but instead make it a more traditional event.

They hope to be able to offer other family activities, with entertainment from local choirs, Salvation army and of course roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

Largs events Vice Chair, Ian Murdoch said: ““Feedback from local businesses was that the more fairground type of attractions were not popular in the main street itself.

“We are investigating the possibility of keeping these events but locating them in one of the local car parks.

“All the usual local groups will hopefully be there with roasted chestnuts, hot soup and mulled wine.

“We are also hoping to have a stage at Tron Place where local choirs and bands can entertain people.”

The group are hoping that businesses and locals will rally behind the event, just as they do every year to make it as successful as possible.

Letters are due to be distributed to local businesses confirming the new date and seeking some minor financial support.

The group are also in discussion with North Ayrshire Council about Christmas lights and the possible closure of Tron Place for the event, with hopes that the refurbished Gallowgate square will also be decked with new lights and tree.

With an all new organiser and date the group will be launching a competition to design a new logo for Yuletide.

Councillor Murdoch added: “Our local schools have always been very supportive of Yuletide night and we hope that this year will be no exception.

“We are launching a new logo competition and hope to be able to announce the winner in a month or so.

“We also hope that schools may consider taking part in the event either in the parade or maybe with their choirs, to treat chopper to some Christmas carols.”