VisitWe want our event to be as accessible and inclusive as possible, so that everyone can enjoy it.
This guide is designed to help you, or your loved one, navigate the event safely.
Read our Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On easy access guide.
Site description
Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On takes place across several streets and open areas in Paisley town centre.
Most surfaces are hard and paved, with typical road surfaces and pavements.
Stage and street performances
There will be a stage located at Gauze Street where it meets Lawn Street. The stage will be on a raised platform to help with sightlines. There will be a dedicated raised accessible area at the stage.
Street performances will take place in the Cenotaph area, Gilmour Place, and Gauze Street. The Cenotaph area is an open, paved street with a few steps. Both Gilmour Place and Gauze Street slope downwards on a gradient heading away from the Cenotaph.
Funfair
There will be fairground rides located in County Square, Gilmour Place and at the top of the High Street and at Bridge St including the Car Park. County Square is a cobbled area. The High Street, Gilmour Place and Bridge St are flat concrete areas.
Food and drink
Food and drink vendors will be located in Abbey Close and at the Funfair. Abbey Close will be a licensed area where alcohol will be available.
Abbey Close is a flat paved area. There is a low kerb in this area.
Lights and visibility
While there is ambient lighting, along with general street lighting, Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On takes place after dark. Note that the stage and street performances start at 1pm on Saturday, when there will be more natural light – this is when ground visibility will be best.
There will be lighting tunnels in Dunn Square. The paths in Dunn Square are laid with bricks which can be a little slippery after rain. The most level access to Dunn Square is from St Mirren Brae, as access from Gauze Street requires a flight of steps.
Sound and noise
As with any large-scale event, the festival site can get quite loud. There will be a mixture of music, ambient noise, singing and talking. As the site is in the town centre, noise can also echo off nearby buildings.
Accessible viewing areas
We have a designated raised accessible area next to the stage at Gauze Street where it meets Cotton Street, providing a view of the performances. Please note this area will not be covered.
The accessible area can be accessed from Cotton Street, and the main entrance will be at Gauze St.
This area will be manned by stewards and volunteers. Places will be accommodated on a first come first served basis. Please note that spaces in these areas are limited.
Folding chairs are available in the accessible viewing area.
Accessible parking
Blue Badge parking will be available in the Paisley Centre (Horizon) and the Piazza shopping centre car parks.
The Paisley Centre (Horizon) and Piazza car parks are close to the event site. Shopmobility Renfrewshire are based in the Paisley Centre car park and can offer additional support.
Mobility support services
Shopmobility Renfrewshire supports people with mobility disabilities, to help them to move around and participate fully in social, economic and cultural activities in the local area.
This includes the hire of wheelchairs, powerchairs and electric scooters, for both day hire and longer periods at a low cost.
To enquire about equipment hire or their support services, contact the Shopmobility team on 0141 889 0441 or email admin@shopmobilityrenfrewshire.org.uk or find out more on Facebook.
Shopmobility are located on the ground floor of the Paisley Centre Car Park on Storie Street, PA1 2AP. This is a paid car park, provided by Horizon Parking.
Toilets and accessible toilets
There are seven toilet locations around the site this year, and each location includes an accessible toilet.
- Abbey Close, at the Town Hall
- Dunn Square
- High Street, opposite Cenotaph
- Gauze Street, at the accessible viewing platform, next to the stage
- Smithshill Street, outside Methodist Central Halls
- Bridge Street at the Funfair
- County Square at the Funfair
There will be a mobile Changing Place located on Cotton Street next to the accessible viewing platform.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome to attend, but please remember the event will be busy. If your dog isn’t used to loud noises and crowds, they may be best left at home.
Attending with a young family
- Bringing a pram
There is no general on-site pram parking for this event.
- Baby changing
There will be baby changing facilities within each of the accessible toilets located at:
- Abbey Close, at the Town Hall
- Dunn Square
- High Street, opposite Cenotaph
- Gauze Street, at the accessible viewing platform, next to the stage
- Smithshill Street, outside Methodist Central Halls
- Bridge Street at the Funfair
- County Square at the Funfair
Quiet spaces
A quiet space will be available in Paisley Central Library on the High Street.
A dedicated quiet space marquee will be available in Abbey Gardens, accessible via Cotton Street.
