PICTURES: Rhu Christmas lights switch-on welcomes crowds

The event on Friday, December 1 saw Rhu Village Green transformed with festive spirit and enthusiastic crowds braving brisk temperatures.

Rhu Primary pupils Emmy, Robyn, Alexander, and Liam led the countdown before switching on the 20-foot Christmas tree lights - and did so just as snow began to fall, as if by magic, in front of a cheering crowd.

Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre opened their doors (Image: Ann Stewart)

Rhu Primary held a Christmas fair (Image: Ann Stewart)Rhu Primary held a Christmas fair (Image: Ann Stewart)

Compere Andrew Broadbelt, owner of the popular Beano Disco Group, provided live DJ contemporary and Christmas music with projected sound and lighting which was well received and an integral part of the yuletide celebrations engaging children and adults in the proceedings.

Rhu and Shandon Community Council had spearheaded a Christmas events day earlier on Friday, delivering useful open days for the public at Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre on the wide range of work undertaken and the benefits of the programmes they deliver.

Rhu Primary School's Parents Group ran a Christmas fair with a range of activities, while the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club welcomed the public with free mulled wine and mince pie.

Rhu Primary held a Christmas fair (Image: Ann Stewart)

Meeting Elise the donkey (Image: Ann Stewart)Popcorn! (Image: Ann Stewart)Rhu Primary Parents Association (Image: Ann Stewart)

And The Rhu Inn provided a Christmas party night to help raise money for local organisations.

A spokesperson for the community council told the Advertiser: "Children's dance competitions were a big hit as kids were excited about the disco dancing and the prizes, with requests continuing for more dancing and of course more prizes, providing festive fun and happy smiles.

"The main stage provided masterly performances by Rosie Green, Sophie Ramsay, Sancha Fernandez-Vidler and the Helensburgh String Ensemble, and Tartan Harmony a bcapella choir.

"The enchanted Santa’s Grotto was in popular demand with children joining a queue with hand written letters for Santa to ensure their wishes for Christmas Day gifts, and to gain a wrapped present and a wee blether with Father Christmas, making happy memories.

"The wonderful Dancing Elves were provided by The Olde Christmas Shoppe, Rhu and Shandon Parish Church provided a plentiful supply of free hot chocolate,

Meeting Elise the donkey (Image: Ann Stewart)

"Rhu Primary also administered a stall, and a surprise visit proved popular with sociable and calm 10-year-old Elise the Donkey and owner Fiona. "Helensburgh Co-operative supermarket provided tremendous sponsorship in support of the event. And Cafe at Kilcreggan Hog Roast team cared for a large amount of guests."

Feedback from the events on Friday reportedly included, "a great atmosphere", a "fab night" and "the children were well entertained".

Others called it "the perfect start to Christmas" and said: "Well done Rhu - what a wonderful community event."

Sophie Ramsay (Image: Ann Stewart)Tartan Harmony (Image: Ann Stewart)Winners of the Lucky Hammer stall (Image: Ann Stewart)The Rhu Inn's Kathrine Wakeford, Euan Page, Lauren Fletcher. (Image: Ann Stewart)

The community council added: "We would would like to thank everyone who came along, all the entertainers, Mandy the First Aider, and every sponsor.

"Prime sponsors were Beano Disco Group, Anderson Engineering, Argyll and Bute Council, Royal Navy HMNB Clyde, RNAD Coulport Ground Control, Babcock International, The Olde Christmas Shoppe, Helensburgh Co-o, Helensburgh Toy Shop, Mather Hire, and Gilmore & Aitken Timber Merchants.

"Rhu and Shandon Community Council wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."