Stewarton's popular Yuletide Festival will run on the evening of Thursday 11 December.

The night begins around 5:30pm with shops staying open until about 9pm and of course Santa will be making an appearance. There will be carol-singing, face-painting, a raffle, and the ever-popular odd man out competition. Face-painting will take place at the Coffee Pot.

Stagecoach's Youth Express bus will provide a number of different games and activities. The Barber's Quintet Singers, The Samba Band and other local musicians will entertain us. Clubs and organisations will also be supporting this year's festival.

Look out for the Lantern Parade organised by Thirst, Stable Manners at John Knox church and Bonnet FM will be broadcasting (but will not be appearing live). Santa's postbox can be found at Little Poppets, and there will be tree decorating for the wee ones at the new Library. Somerfield's carpark will host several activities, including the barbeque.

This year, due to lack of funds, the main street will not be closed, but it is planned that the Strathclyde Police horses will be in attendance and this will help slow any traffic. Don't plan to bring your car if you can help it! St Columba's church car park and Somerfield's car park will be open without penalty to accommodate visitors by car.