1-12-03

Local MP to attend Corstorphine lights switch-on

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, will join hundreds of his constituents tomorrow evening at the Corstorphine Christmas "Switch On".

The event will see the Corstorphine Christmas tree lights switched on for the first time with music provided by the Craigmount High School Wind Band and Choir. There will also be carols sung by special guest, Craig Chalmers, star of Pop Idol. The event finishes with the Children's Procession followed by Santa Claus on his sleigh.

The switch-on comes a week after the permanent Christmas tree, which was hoped to replace the famous Corstorphine Sycamore Tree, was vandalised by local youths. However, with the 40 foot tree donated by the City of Edinburgh Council in place, the "Switch-on" will go ahead as normal.

The Corstorphine event is the first in a serious of Christmas Celebrations throughout Edinburgh and part of the Capital Christmas Programme. It is organised by Corstorphine Fair, Edinburgh's largest community run event.

Commenting, John Barrett said

"This event is a central focus for the Corstorphine community at Christmas and despite recent events I am delighted it will be going ahead as normal. I look forward to attending along with Margaret Smith, MSP and seeing the Christmas Festivities begin."

ENDS

Notes:

The Corstorphine "Switch - on" starts at 6.30pm on the Village Green outside the Old Parish Church, Corstorphine High Street.

Contacts :
Kevin Lang, John Barrett MPs office - 339 0339
Ewan Irvine - Corstorphine Fair - 476 5815