Hamilton 's Christmas lights-switch on event was cancelled at the weekend due to high winds.
The weather warnings meant the highly-anticipated occasion on Quarry Street had to be rescheduled to this coming Saturday, December 3, now taking place after the reindeer parade.
But despite the miserable conditions, the Christmas spirit wasn't dampened as thousands flocked to the Regent Shopping Centre to see the festivities which were moved indoors.
A quickly-thought change of plans from organisers Hamilton Our Town meant a cheery occasion could still go ahead as Santa, his elves, along with the day’s planned entertainers, greeted huge crowds young and old at the shopping precinct.
The day was a huge success, said Hamilton Our Town manager Malcolm Thomas-Harley. He added: “It really showed the resilience of the people of Hamilton and to see the shopping centre as packed as it was amazing.”
News broke on Friday afternoon that the scheduled lights switch-on would need to be cancelled due to a high winds forecast.
Hamilton Our Town posted on social media: "Due to very high wind gust levels forecast tomorrow (Saturday) we are unable to host the light switch on event on Quarry Street.
"We know how important this event is and rather than cancelling we have managed to move the Christmas Market & event into the Regent Shopping Centre. We'll have a day packed full of fantastic performers and our large Market. So please still come into town from 10am to 5.30pm.
"We are hoping to be able to host the light switch on ceremony next Saturday at the Reindeer parade on December 3. More to follow.
"We'd like to thank all of the people that have helped to make this change possible at such short notice."
The local business improvement district group said afterwards the day saw a "fantastic turnout".
They added: "Huge thanks to everyone involved in making this happen at such short notice. Halo Arts team we’re superb as always. Thanks to Jodi and team at the Regent and David Johnstone Stall Hire."
The lights will now be switched on this Saturday at 3.30pm.
It follows the Hamilton reindeer parade which begins at 2.30pm in the town centre.
Turning on this year's festive lights in the town is the winner of the recently-run Hamilton Hero competition which recognises local people who have gone above and beyond for their community.
Nominated this year is Mandy Ballantyne who raises money every day for vulnerable families in need all year round. She does this daily daily through bonus ball raffles and also Facebook appeals.
The award will be presented by Jodi Robertson from the Regent Shopping Centre. And prizes were kindly donated by the Regent shopping centre and Hamilton Park Racecourse.
You can find out more about this year's Christmas events in Hamilton here.
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