Festive revellers have savaged Kilmarnock's Christmas light switch-on display, or lack thereof.
The annual winter spectacular was arranged for yesterday with bemused locals left fuming after lights were turned on in broad daylight with no countdown or official ceremony.
Families also hit out after no public toilets were available with the Burns Mall facilities closed.
The cherry on the cake was dozens of shops being evacuated after a fire alarm went off with workers and shoppers thrown out of stores at the peak of the afternoon.
East Ayrshire Leisure confirmed last week that a number of big changes had been made to the town centre Christmas celebrations with no countdown and no stage. The final straw for many was the news that lights would be turned on in broad daylight - at 12 noon.
Disappointed Kilmarnock Standard readers branded the event 'embarrassing' and a 'shambles'.
One person said: "It was a complete waste of time. Went along and wish we hadn't bothered. Actually embarrassing that money and time was spent on advertising this. Nothing festive about it, hardly any stalls and among the ones that were there were doublers selling the same kind of things. The buskers are there every day nothing new there. Only decent thing was the regular guy selling the hot donuts.
"East Ayrshire Leisure appreciate money is tight but this was a total let down.
"An empty flat would have had more of an atmosphere. Is it any wonder why most folk from the area don't shop or spend time here. If I had had to pay parking for that today I would have been livid as it would have been daylight robbery. Shambolic!"
Another added: "Just been down to King Street to see festivities... very, very disappointed."
One person summed up the mood: "Complete waste of time...shambles of an attempt at a Christmas light switch on."
East Ayrshire Leisure have defended the event highlighting the ongoing cost of living crisis and their aim to make every aspect of winter celebrations free for families.
However, they did say they would take on feedback for next year.
A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Leisure said: "Our messaging has been very clear that there was no switch-on event and the lights were going to be on throughout the day with a programme of other activities taking place.
"We have programmed a wider Winter Festival with events and activities taking place throughout East Ayrshire.
"The current cost of living crisis is impacting everyone and we are responding by having a range of free events accessible to everyone, rather than the focus being on a large scale, one-off event in Kilmarnock town centre.
"The Spirit of Christmas at Dean Castle Country Park will run from December 9 to 23, and other programmed activities include traditional storytelling and music for kids, craft activities using natural materials, a Snow White-inspired trail through the country park, QR-code led trails starting in a selection of our community venues, with large scale projections onto Cumnock Town Hall, Rose Reilly Sports Centre in Stewarton and Doon Valley Leisure Centre.
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"All activities are free so everyone can enjoy them during this expensive time of year and details are available on our website.
"We will, of course, take on board any feedback as we start to develop the Winter Festival for next year."
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