BUSINESSES are decking the halls in preparation for a family festive fun day to mark the start of the Greenock Christmas celebrations.

The festive event will take place in West Blackhall Street on Saturday 29 November.

From 2pm till 5pm, the street will host a range of free, family-friendly fun with local businesses encouraged to take part by organising their own unique in-store events and special offers.

There will be street theatre, magical characters, light projections, live music, entertainment, displays and workshops.

On the day, West Blackhall Street will be closed from Westburn Street to Laird Street, with entertainment planned along the whole street.

Organised by Inverclyde Council, the Greenock Festive Fun Day will also celebrate the recent £6 million upgrade of West Blackhall Street, which saw the pavements upgraded, extra public seating, new trees and planters and a new cycle lane installed.

It is one of a number of Christmas celebration events taking place across all Inverclyde towns and villages.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “The festive fun day is a fantastic opportunity to formally start the Greenock Town Centre Christmas celebrations while showcasing the new-look West Blackhall Street following the completion of the modernisation project earlier this year.

“There’s a packed programme of entertainment and activities being organised for all the family to enjoy and it’s a chance for people to support local businesses in and around the entire length of West Blackhall Street, as well as in the Oak Mall, and it’s completely free to attend.

“I encourage people to come along to the Greenock Festive Fun Day or to one of the other events in our town and village centres and get into the Christmas spirit and support some of our many wonderful local businesses.”

Inverclyde Council is working with businesses on West Blackhall Street to make sure they can make the most out of the event with many running special promotions.

One of the local participating retailers is Smiths of Greenock.

Jamie Docherty, shop manager at Smiths, said: “As an employee-owned business, we are delighted that every effort has been made by the community to support local stores at this time of year.

“Anyone shopping with us on the day will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 voucher for the store.”

Also taking part is Cradle Care, which will have a special 10 per cent off discount and ‘golden tickets’ with orders.

Chris Jewell, from Cradle Care, said: “We look forward to welcoming lots of people from across Inverclyde on this special afternoon of fun and entertainment.

“Look out for our special Cradle Care offers already available with more to follow and do remember to try and shop local – we depend on you.”

On the day there will be DJ Rockin’ Rob, from Clyde Coast Radio, and live music, including from the Salvation Army Band and Inverclyde Shed Ukulele Band, plus performances from Theatre School of Scotland, stilt walkers, and circus elves.

There will also be facepainting and RIG Arts will be running craft workshops for people to try their hand at making wreaths, wooden decorations, and festive foliage.

People can pop along at any time during the day and materials will be provided.

Santa is also expected to take some time out of his busy schedule at this time of year to make a special appearance.

Greenock Festive Fun Day is taking place instead of the Christmas tree light up event in Cathcart Square which will not take place due to the start of the Central Greenock Project, which will see £21 million spent on transforming the centre of the town.

The event has been part-funded by the Greenock Town Board as part of the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme.

Other Christmas events organised by Inverclyde Council include a specially extended Christmas lights switch-on event at Port Glasgow to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the town this year featuring line dancing, live singers, carolling with the Salvation Army Band, school choir performances, and a visit from Santa.

For more information about the festive events and other things to see and do in Inverclyde, visit discoverinverclyde.com