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'IT'S A JOKE'

Glasgow Christmas lights switch on – Thousands disappointed at ticket ‘farce’

People reported having tried to get tickets for almost a decade and never having been successful

THOUSANDS in Glasgow have been left disappointed after missing out on tickets to the city's Christmas lights switch-on for another year.

Many have dubbed the ballot system "a joke" and "a farce" after learning today they hadn't made the cut.

 Glasgow holds a special ceremony each year to switch on the Christmas lights
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Glasgow holds a special ceremony each year to switch on the Christmas lightsCredit: Wattie Cheung Photography

An email sent out to all applicants from organisers Glasgow Loves Christmas said: "We are sorry to advise that you have been unsuccessful.

"Applications were received in record breaking numbers this year and it was not possible to accommodate everyone who wanted to attend the event at George Square. Read our Frequently Asked Questions to find out more.

"We understand how disappointed you will be but we would encourage you to come to Glasgow city centre during the festive season when it will come alive with a huge variety of festive events including the Christmas markets at George Square and St Enoch Square, the Style Mile Carnival, the Blessing of the Crib and the Santa Dash.”

But disgruntled people hoping to see the festive event slammed the results.

 The organisers sent out an email letting people know if they were successful in the ballot
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The organisers sent out an email letting people know if they were successful in the ballotCredit: Twitter
 One person has been trying to see the lights for 11 years
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One person has been trying to see the lights for 11 yearsCredit: Twitter

One person wrote: "Another year unsuccessful. Wasn't even going to bother but thought maybe, just maybe, I might get to go.

"I’ve been trying since my boy was young. He’s now nearly 14. I won’t be applying next year.

"Going to go to Paisley instead. Heard it’s much better."

Another added on social media: "None for me again. Sixth year running, but I know people who get them every year. It’s a joke.”

One person offered a suggestion to the organisers: "Usual email about the Xmas lights in town (not been successful). Yet I'd bet people get them each and every year.

"Just a tip for the organiser's - no mark families off the list who keep going, so families that haven't been can go."

 Another disappointed person offered a few tips for the organisers of the annual event
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Another disappointed person offered a few tips for the organisers of the annual eventCredit: Twitter
 Another person said they have been trying to get tickets for eight years
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Another person said they have been trying to get tickets for eight yearsCredit: Twitter

One person wrote: “Does anyone from Glasgow actually get any of these tickets , just about everyone I know or have seen posting hasn’t be successful, so much for ppl make Glasgow & Glasgow loves ppl … one lot of rubbish."

Another said: “Joke 7 years and still no tickets.

“I personally will not be spending any of my hard earned cash in Glasgow”

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Eva Bolander, : “Demand for tickets for the Christmas lights switch-on has, once again, been very strong.

“We know with every successful application, others will have been disappointed. We simply can’t squeeze everyone who wants a ticket into George Square.

“So, if you’re lucky enough to have been selected, please come along and make it a night to remember.

“If you haven’t, we’ve still plenty for you to enjoy and take part in as we countdown towards Christmas. We’re looking forward to welcoming you.”

Dad unveils 'over-the-top' Christmas display in front of 100 neighbours in Huddersfield

Last month we told you how to get your annual leave requests in to maximise your Christmas holiday.

This year, because Christmas Eve falls on a Monday, if you pick the right days to take as holiday you can get 11 days off using just four days annual leave.

By booking off just four days - Monday 24 December, Thursday 27 December, Friday 28 December and Monday 31 December, you'll end up getting 11 whole days of uninterrupted holiday.


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