Hundreds of people lined the dock at Victoria Pier to welcome Santa ashore as he arrived courtesy of the Lerwick Lifeboat. He joined the fleet of festive trikes and trailers arranged by the Moar family and Peerie Foxes nursery as they made their way to join the rest of the parade at the lower Fort Road.
Commercial Street was packed with people of all ages eager to catch a glimpse of the man in red, with his entourage providing additional excitement and fun.
As the procession made its way along da Street, the Christmas lights were switched on, with the Market Cross lights and trees coming on as a finale after the Lerwick Jarl Squad and Brass Band gave a rendition of Jingle Bells.
Living Lerwick Project Manager, Emma Miller said “We felt it was important to bring the parade back this year and give the community a way to come together to celebrate the festive season in a safe way. Town centre businesses have been supported by the community over this past year and the parade is one way of giving thanks for that support.
“We also have a list of people to thank who have helped the parade happen – this is a massive effort by so many people and it couldn’t happen without every one of them giving their time and effort.
The crew and volunteers of the Lerwick Lifeboat station; Lerwick Port Authority staff; the Moar family and Peerie Foxes; Jarl Liam Summers and his squad; Lerwick Brass Band; Love from Shetland and Connor the goat; Brygarth Pony Stud and handlers Connie, Beth and Heidi; Olaf and Maunsie; Shetland Coastguard Service, Lerwick Fire Service, SIC Roads Service, volunteer traffic stewards, Derek from Active Audio, John Coutts and, of course – Santa!”
Other Christmas activities will continue through December including the Elf Hunt and Christmas window competition. The bumper Spend at da Street draw winners will be announced on Monday 20th – 12 lucky shoppers will receive prizes worth up to £175 each for choosing to buy local this Christmas.
Photography-John Coutts
