Festive entertainment for shoppers in Inverness
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SCHOOLS and community groups are preparing to bring festive cheer to Christmas shoppers at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness.
Crown, Dalneigh and Raigmore Primary Schools will take to the Cairngorm Community Stage on Thursday.
The Ness Factor finalists will also be in the centre to provide background music to customers' late-night Thursday shopping trips.
Kirstin Gault, the centre's digital and marketing executive, said there would be free parking between 5pm and midnight.
"With many of our stores extending their opening hours, customers can enjoy stress-free Christmas shopping until 8pm," she said.
"As they have until midnight to collect their car from Falcon Gallery car park, the promotion will also allow them to enjoy the rest of the city.”
The festive fun continues on Saturday with Victorian-style characters Professor Weft and Mr. Warp who will entertain with magic, mind reading and festive facts.
The Christmas Time Travellers will also play festive jazz from their H. G. Wells inspired time machine.
On Sunday, when there will be a special flat rate of £2 for all-day parking, gardener Hugh will introduce Polly, his psychic holly tree, who will use her powers of clairvoyance to deduce people's favourite winter vegetables.
Sunday will also be the last opportunity for parents to take their young ones to see Santa in his Beauty and the Beast themed grotto which is raising money for the Highland Hospice. It will be open from 11am to 5pm.
The centre will be open between 9am and 5pm on Christmas Eve and will re-open on Boxing Day between 9am and 6pm.
