The Lerwick Town Centre Christmas Parade is scheduled to take place this weekend on Saturday afternoon from 3.30pm when Santa Claus will come ashore at the Albert Wharf – direct from the North Pole aboard the Lerwick Lifeboat.
He will be welcomed to Lerwick by the gathered crowds as he makes his way up round to Thulecraft, escorted by the bairns from Peerie Foxes Nursery and the Moar boys’ quads. Here he will greet more of the public and the Lerwick Brass Band and Jarl Squad who will accompany the parade along Commercial Street to the Market Cross. They will also be joined by Love From Shetlands’ Connor the Goat, and friends from the Fire Brigade.
Once at the Market Cross, Santa will switch on the Christmas Tree lights and sit for photos with the public as the Brass Band play some carols and the Jarl Squad sing along. High Level Music will also play carols and song sheets will be handed out for everyone to join in.
Lerwick Baptist and Methodist Church Choirs will also provide entertainment on Saturday afternoon, performing at the Market Cross and outside the Bank of Scotland from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. Local businesses including Auld Harbour B&B, Shetland Larder and The Dowry will have staff out and about to share sweet treats and mulled drinks with the crowds.
With the parade making use of public roads, there will be some brief road closures and diversions. Commercial Street will be closed from 2.00pm – 5.30pm and there will be no parking under the Fort from 2.30pm – 4.00pm. Living Lerwick would request the public use alternative nearby parking facilities to allow the parade to be enjoyed by everyone.
Details of additional events and extra opening hours for town centre businesses over Christmas will be updated regularly on this website and the Living Lerwick Facebook page.