Christmas yuletide celebration in Largs this year will once again be 'socially inclusive' so all families can enjoy free fun and entertainment. 

The late night shopping extravaganza, set for Wednesday December 6, has been running for over 35 years and is always eagerly anticipated.

Largs Events chairman Ian Murdoch said: "Yuletide Night for late night shopping  is definitely going to be December 6 so keep that date in your diary. We will have Santa's parade and grotto, as well as street artists performing and the entertainment stage and PA with local groups performing."

On top of that, the events committee is working hard behind the scenes setting up the popular Santa sleigh rides around the district which will take place in Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Skelmorlie, bringing joy to local youngsters.

Ian explained: "The Santa sleigh tours will also be taking place on the same week as Yuletide and it is always something everyone looks forward to. We are looking at possibly splitting the sleigh tours in Largs into two evenings as by the time we get round the whole town, some of the children have gone to bed so we are looking at seeing if we can spread it over two evenings so everyone gets a chance to see Santa."

Ian pointed out that the work to organise the Yuletide takes months, and involves a lot of pre-planning.

He said: "We are currently going through all the form filling including insurance, road closures etc. A lot of people don't realise that Largs Events pays for the insurance, and a lot of other costs on the evening as all the fairground rides and attractions are free of charge - as we want it to be a socially inclusive night for all the family.

"We make sure that there are no charges for people so everyone can come along and enjoy themselves."

The Largs Events group is also involved in liaising with the council for the Christmas illuminations in the town. The council stores the lights and erects them, and Largs Events has to apply for the installation and pay out on the insurance or any repairs required.

Ian said: "It is only possible to put on events like this through the business and public donations we receive throughout the year - without that there woudln't be a yuletide night.

"Largs Events is a registered Scottish charity and we do rely on donations. and we have charity tins in several of the shops."

Last year the total costs associated with putting on Yueltide cost the Largs Events group a total of £4,000 - with £1,000 of that figure the insurance required for the festive lights.

"We are a relatively small voluntary committee but work very hard to make Yuletide a success.

"A special thank you must go to Largs Events treasurer John Knowles, who carries out all the form filling and he deserves huge credit as it is not a simple task and we are very appreciative of his help."