DUNOON’S FESTIVE season officially kicked off last weekend as the 2025 Dunoon Dazzles and Community Christmas Lights Switch-On took over its brand new location in the town centre.
Locals turned out in force despite the ever-changing weather and from early morning through to the 5.30pm lights switch-on finale, the packed programme delivered a full day of activity, performances and community cheer.
The event also showcased young musicians and dancers preparing for their New York performance trip in April 2026 — with the talented group raising further funds
and impressing the crowds with polished performances.
West Bay hosted the inaugural Santa Dash, with dozens of young runners — and a few enthusiastic adults — racing the route organised by local running group Dunoon Promrun.
Meanwhile, Argyll Street was buzzing from morning until the switch-on as shoppers browsed an expanded festive market filled with crafts, gifts and seasonal treats.
The ever-popular reindeer visit returned once again, drawing a steady stream of families eager to offer a carrot and a gentle pat. Voices of Argyll filled the centre of town with traditional Christmas carols, adding warmth to the winter day.
The event also delivered some heart-melting moments, with little Novi Blincow and Mollie McIntyre threatening to steal the show by charming everyone they met — along with the talented Cowal Baton Twirlers.
One of the afternoon’s highlights was the announcement of the Community Champions Awards, with Dani Bancks receiving the junior award and Rhona Altin honoured with the senior award. All nominees were recognised on stage to loud applause from the Dunoon community.
And right on cue, Santa Claus arrived for the countdown — leading the crowd into the moment everyone had been waiting for: the switch-on of Dunoon’s Christmas lights. As the town lit up, Dunoon truly dazzled.
A Dunoon Presents spokesperson said: “It was a wonderful winter day for the whole community and we are indebted to Shearwater Marine Services Ltd, Ian Hamilton Scaffolder, Stewart Shaw Ltd, the markets team for their invaluable work and of course to the Community Christmas Lights Group for all their hard graft, led by chief elf Colin Campbell. All of these people worked so hard to make the day run so smoothly and kick off the town’s festivities.
“The switch on video posted on social media has already been viewed more than 40,000 times. We are also delighted with the reaction on social media and we even received a small selection of comments from Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Louisiana and London Ontario.”
