CARDWELL Garden Centre’s festive season is getting off to a note-able start this year.

A piano has been installed in front of the Christmas tree in the centre’s Patio Café and anyone is invited to come along and tickle the ivories.

The Sounds of Christmas Piano is already a hit with one of cafe's staff members, 18-year-old Adrian Woodside from Gourock, who is keyboard player with local indie rock band The Wits.

The piano will be there for anyone to play as Cardwell host their Big Christmas Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Christmas comes early for customers who pay them a visit during the Big Weekend with ten per cent off Christmas good.

As well as Santa, who’ll be in his Grotto ready and waiting to welcome children and hear what they want him to bring them at Christmas, there’s also an exciting Carnival with funfair rides for kids.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer will also be paying Cardwell a visit between noon and 4pm on both days and will happily pose for photographs with everyone.

And on Sunday he’ll be joined by Morton FC’s mascot, Cappie The Cat, who is coming along to enjoy some festive fun with everyone.

Cardwell is also holding a charity prize draw and one of the prizes is a signed Morton strip.

There’s also a Christmas Treasure Hunt and a face painter will be on hand to create amazing characters and designs on children’s faces and there will be seasonal food tasting sessions.

On the Saturday the Salvation Army Brass Band and the Clyde Coast Fiddlers will be performing in the centre.

Cardwell’s retail general manager, Paul Carmichael said: “Our Big Christmas Weekend is a fabulous way to enjoy the run-up to Christmas and get ready for the festive season.

“We’ll have fresh-cut real Christmas trees in stock, lots of sparkling lights and decorations to adorn your tree and make the magic of Christmas come to your home.”