THE organisers behind Ardrossan's popular Christmas lights switch on event have launched a fund-raiser in a bid to ensure this year is another roaring success.

The crowdfunder has been set up by the Ardrossan Christmas Lights Group (ACLG) as they look to bridge the gap left by funding cuts announced by North Ayrshire Council earlier this year.

When the local authority passed their 2024/25 budget back in February, it included the removal of £38,000 of funding that was previously provided to community groups to assist lighting displays around the festive period.

Cash is now only allocated to provide one Christmas tree, with lighting, per town.

As a result, a number of volunteer groups have been left scrambling as they look to raise the necessary money to make sure their annual night of festive family fun can go ahead.

The ACLG are one of those affected groups and the small band of volunteers are now looking to raise £5,000 for their lights to be put up, maintained and then stored for next year.

Their fund-raising page added: "This year the event, parade, carols, entertainers and Christmas market stalls will be on Friday, November 29.

"We hope with the help of our community we will have the usual Christmas lights.

"With more than 10,000 residents in Ardrossan, we are hoping for as many small donations to spread Christmas cheer in our community. Please donate if you can and remember sharing is caring.

"With community support, we could make our event bigger and better each year."

The group's fund-raising page was launched earlier this week with around £200 of donations generated at the time of writing.

Those looking to find out more, or make a donation, can do so online at tinyurl.com/ArdrossanChristmasLights.