DUNDEE’S WINTER LIGHT NIGHT PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

Acts revealed for Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations

Preparations for Dundee’s Winter Light Night ramped up today (Nov 12) as the exciting programme of events was unveiled at Discovery Point - marking the countdown to the free celebration on Friday 27th of November as part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations.

Locals and visitors were treated to a taste of the colour and entertainment that will shine on the night, as the illuminated Christmas Fairy and Scottish Dance Theatre performers took over Discovery Point, entertaining and handing-out the fun-packed, programme to all.

In the year of Homecoming Scotland - the spectacular Winter Light Night will launch the city’s festive period by offering an evening of fun and entertainment for everyone. It will also showcase the Christmas lights for the first time.

The jam-packed itinerary is set to dazzle the crowds and kick-start the Christmas spirit with a spectacular blend of musical, audiovisual, theatrical, and cultural performances. Showcase the Street, Dundee’s very own youth dance, music and media group are sure to get everyone’s feet tapping with a fantastic drumming act outside the Wellgate Centre. Whilst, Band Night at The Shore will see young, local bands battle it out in the music stakes. Around at the McManus Galleries, the Dundee Rep Theatre’s Women’s Singing Group will offer a Loadsaweeminsingin’ treat to the crowds.

For children, delights such as giant puppets, Christmas storytelling, a solar powered dance-floor are sure to make their day. Not to mention meeting the Christmas Fairy and other fun characters on the night.



The Winter Light Night celebrations will continue into the evening with extended opening hours at the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Sensation Science Centre and Discovery Point. Art exhibitions at the University of Dundee will also be open to the public; and organised heritage walks along Dundee’s women’s trail and through The Howff are not to be missed.

Other highlights later in the evening for those who don't want to go home include rock band Elliot Minor playing Fat Sams and the unique, techno-ceilidh band Grousebeater Sound System performing a free gig at Duke’s corner.

Will Dawson, Convener of Dundee City Council's City Development Committee said: “With excitement in Dundee building as our Winter Light Night fast approaches, we are thrilled to announce the packed programme today. From dancers to live music and theatre to light shows, there is something for the whole family and we look forward to welcoming everyone on the night.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, said: “Dundee’s Winter Light Night will the be the first Winter Light Night held in Scotland and a sensational way to kick off the festive season, celebrate St Andrew’s Day and take part in our Homecoming Finale. Thousands of revellers will enjoy this unique event in Dundee’s city centre and join in a huge celebration of the city’s contemporary culture and heritage. Without doubt, Winter Light Night will be one of the highlights of the weekend’s activities, which promises to offer something for everyone.”

Future announcements about Winter Light Night and additions to the programme will be announced on www.dundee.com.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

• Dundee's Winter Light Night is part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations: Scotland’s Biggest Ever St Andrew’s Do. Running from 26th - 30th November, with more than 40 events and opportunities to visit some of Scotland’s major attractions for free across Scotland, full programme of activity is available at www.homecomingscotland2009.com  
• Dundee Winter Light takes place on Friday 27th November from 6pm. The event is open and free to all.
• Dundee Winter Light is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors.
• The Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations herald the start of the winter festival season in Scotland, inviting visitors to extend their stay beyond the St Andrew’s weekend to sample the sights and sounds in a range of towns and cities.
• Homecoming Scotland 2009 is an inspirational programme of events running from Burns Night to St Andrew’s Day which motivates people with Scottish ancestry, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to “Come Home” in 2009.
• Homecoming Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by EventScotland the national events agency in partnership with VisitScotland, the country’s national tourism agency. Homecoming is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
For further information:

Nadine Reilly/Emily Moyes/Danny Parker
Stripe Communications
0131 561 8628/ Dundee@stripecom.co.uk