Saltcoats is set for a big surprise at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on.

But organisers of the event, which takes place on Sunday, November 26, are sworn to secrecy over what the mystery is.

Alec Wilkie, committee member on Saltcoats Christmas Lights Group, said that people should be near the Town Hall for about 4.30pm for “something spectacular”.

He said: “Something big is happening. It’s the first time there’s been anything like this. It’s going to be spectacular and that’s all I can say.”

The fun kicks off at 12.30pm with a parade from the Melbourne Café. The procession will head to Dockhead Street and onto Countess Street, where it will end at the Town Hall.

Just some of the fun lined up for the rest of the day includes: fairground, stalls, Santa’s Grotto, school choir, dancers, street performers, street magician, animatronic dinosaur, Snow Globe photo opportunities, bouncy castles (including one for adults), Disney characters, Transformers, vintage fire engine, face painting, and more.

The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5pm by Santa and two schoolchildren at the Town Hall.

Alec said: “There’s quite a parade this year. A pipe band will be playing. We’ll also have a jester encouraging people to join the crowd.

“There’s all sorts of stuff happening. It’s going to be quite spectacular.”

Fast Track Tickets for Santa’s Grotto will be available from For the Weans on Hamilton Street from the third week in November.

Free parking will be available in Sainsbury’s car park throughout the day.