THE new-look Largs Yuletide celebrations that will light up the town next month will be completely FREE.

The late night shopping extravaganza and celebration is pulling out all the stops to take the event back to its origins and create a magnificent winter wonderland in the town centre on Wednesday December 5.

The voluntarily-run Largs Events team have taken over the running of the community event, with a spectacular snow globe sponsored by Dawn Homes coming to Gallowgate Square, fire-eaters and Disney characters among the colourful cavalcade that will illuminate Largs.

Organisers want to make sure everyone can enjoy the event - the inspiration behind the decision to make everything free of charge.

This will include face paintings and children's treasure hunts, with the only cost a token £2 to cover costs of gifts from the Nardini's sponsored Santa's Grotto.

This year's event will focus on street entertainment with a stilt walker, magicians and a balloon artist all lined up to provide some real sparkle on the night.

There will also be superhero characters from the forthcoming Largs Comic Con.

There will be a live music stage at Tron Place with groups performing including Largs Young Voices and the Karen Aitchison School of Dance, while the Largs Rock Choir will be performing at Gallowgate Square.

There will be all the traditional stalls in the square including those of Largs Rotary, Largs Thistle and Largs RNLI.

The community resilience team will also be based on the corner of Crawford Street next to the railway station and will be a point of contact for any necessary assistance on the night.

With hot chestnuts, mulled wine and discounts on offers from local shops, it promises to be a feast of fun for everyone.

The event starts at 6.30pm with Santa's Parade which leaves from Morrison's at 6.30pm, and heads through the town centre before heading along the seafront to Nardini's.

The grotto will be open between 6.45 and 9pm. People are asked to book an appointment at Little Threads for Santa's Grotto in advance as there will be no queueing on the street.