Crowds gather for spectacular Christmas lights ceremony

THE crowds who gathered for last night's Christmas lights switch-on spectacular probably had in mind a light dusting of festive snow and a crisp wintry night to get them in the seasonal mood.

Unfortunately, what they got instead was a damp and blustery night which would have made a Grinch of Santa himself and forced the cancellation of several of the event's highlights.

Around 7000 people gathered in Princes Street to enjoy the city's Light Night, but many were left disappointed when organisers were forced to call off the fireworks display due to high winds.

An aerial acrobat, who was due to take to the skies suspended from a floating balloon – the Heliosphere – before performing twists, turns and tumbles to music, also fell foul to the weather.

But in the end, even the weather couldn't defeat the Christmas spirit or stop the 200,000 twinkling lights from brightening the dreary night.

Children's entertainers Funtastic kicked things off, accompanied by Australia's premiere drag act, Drags Aloud, who came dressed as Christmas puddings.

Next, an array of skaters dazzled the crowds with their footwork on the ice-rink.

The ice-rink entertainment included a special performance from Inverness ice skating squad, Aurora, as well as renowned Scottish ice-skating champion, Alisha Carnie, 15, from Leith.

The damp played its part here too though, causing the Christmas CD to jump on several occasions.

Libby Klegg, who won a silver medal at the Paralympics in Beijing this year, also made an appearance, with medal in tow.

Keith Jack, of Any Dream Will Do, was unable to attend the festivities due to personal reasons.

The highlight of the night came when Radio Forth competition winner, John Swanson, seven, from Restalrig, switched on more than 200,000 twinkling lights around the Capital, including the lights on the iconic 18-metre Christmas tree at The Mound.

And if the crowd was disappointed not to hear Keith Jack sing, they were certainly consoled by John's rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

George Grubb, the Lord Provost, said: "It was a terrific night and it's really the start of Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations."

A council spokeswoman said: "Public safety is our top priority and unfortunately this meant having to cancel some elements."

Nickie Gott, Edinburgh Christmas Event Producer, said: "It was a fantastic show but a shame that the weather caused problems."

Radio Forth presenters, Arlene Stuart and Boogie (Andrew Bouglas), hosted the event.