Locals and visitors alike are invited to step back in time some 300 years as Georgian Day returns to Armagh this November.

Heralding the beginning of the Christmas season, the renowned festive family fun day will be lighting up the streets of the city on 29 November from 10am – 8pm and transporting families back to the city’s Georgian past.

Armagh, Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, will enjoy a Georgian Christmas ‘make-over’; with everyone from market traders, musicians, craft experts and even a reindeer and his trusty elves getting in on the act.

The annual Georgian Christmas Market is not to be missed. With around 70 stalls brimming with gifts, artisan crafts, gourmet delights and steaming mugs of mulled wine and mince pies – it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in some Christmas shopping or simply browse and soak up the yuletide atmosphere. And in keeping with the historic theme, Armagh’s stall traders are getting into the spirit of the occasion sporting Georgian attire as they welcome their customers.

One of the main attractions will be the free lightshow which will be ticketed this year to enable as many people as possible to enjoy the spectacular exhibition. Set to festive music and with a few surprises planned ‘A Winter’s Tale’ will be a show to remember as it transforms the beautiful Georgian building, Market House, into a shimmering canvas for images and special live stage action.

The light show will be shown at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm with gates opening 15 minutes before each show and access from Market Street only. Wristbands for each show are available from Monday 10th November at 10.00am online at www.armagh.co.uk/lightshow or from Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800 or in person.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Cathy Rafferty, said: “Armagh City is set to shine on Georgian Day. The whole city really gets into the festive spirit and, as always, extends the warmest of welcomes to locals and visitors alike. We are always looking at new and exciting things to bring to Georgian Day and this year’s packed itinerary is hard to beat.”

“As well as showcasing everything our beautiful historical city has to offer, the event gives visitors a glimpse of the past and a sense of the history and tradition that has helped forge the Armagh we know and love today. With so much on offer, not just on Georgian Day but all the way through the festive period and beyond, it’s easy to see how we attract around 25,000 visitors to this wonderful showcase event.”

Families can also enjoy live music on the bandstand or treat themselves to a Georgian-style tour around the Mall on a beautiful Regency horse-drawn carriage. For the more energetic, Georgian themed walking tours and the chance to explore several of the city’s oldest Georgian buildings including the magnificent Archbishop’s Palace and Armagh Gaol are not to be missed.

The Georgian period was when Christmas really became the celebration that we recognise today – decadent decorations, tasty treats and generous gifts. A packed schedule of Georgian craft workshops at The Shambles Yard will help visitors hone their festive home-making, with everything from Christmas Cookery demos to advice on how to make the most covetable centre-piece.

Cathy Rafferty added: “Georgian Day is the star in our festive events calendar and we’re confident that this year’s celebration is going to be the bigger and better than ever!”

For more information on Georgian Day and what’s happening throughout the year in Armagh, go to www.armagh.co.uk/georgian