North Down is getting ready to light up for Christmas with a series of special Christmas events planned across The Borough.
The Bangor Christmas Switch On will commence at 5.30pm on Saturday, 22 November, when crowds will gather in Castle Park in front of The Town Hall to watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to all your favourite Christmas classics, before the Christmas tree lights are ceremoniously switched on.
This year, the lights will be switched on in front of a packed Castle Park by The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin.
Commenting on the event, Alison Stobie, Tourism Manager, North Down Borough Council, said, “The switching on of the Bangor Christmas tree lights is the perfect event to make everyone in the family feel like the festive season has arrived, wrap up warmly and come along and enjoy the show.” She went on to say; “On a more serious note, please make sure to follow all safety instructions on the night. As well as producing an amazing show, safety is our priority at this event, so it is extremely important that you obey health & safety rules and co-operate fully with the marshals. Remember also that due to the volume of people it may be necessary to close some roads and the Omniplex cinema and The Aurora should be temporarily accessed from the Gransha Road between 5pm and 6pm.”
Then on Saturday 29 November, there will be more family festive fun in Holywood with their annual Christmas Light Switch On Event. Featuring a Christmas Market, activities in the library, a visit from Santa and even some Singing Elves, the event promises to be a great day out for the whole family. The market trades 11am – 6pm and the lights will be switched on by The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin at 4.30pm.
And the Christmas fun doesn’t end there! Project 24 is also hosting a whole array of fantastic Christmas events which will be fun for the whole family taking place at various locations around the town. Called “The Fairy Tale of Bangor,” the fun starts on Friday 28 November at 4pm in Ward Park where children can enjoy an afternoon of fairy tale entertainment, story-telling and lantern-making in “The Enchanted Garden.”
Then at 5.30pm, the Lantern Parade will leave Ward Park and guided by rainbow lights will make its way back to Project 24 via Prospect Road and High Street for the Christmas Light Switch on and Winter Wonderland.
Browse the Festive Market for some Christmas shopping, get creative and make your Letter to Santa, visit Santa’s Grotto and deliver your letter personally! And don’t miss Santa on his sleigh with his reindeer
and so much more including a bouncy castle, photo booth, face painter and live music!
The Grand Switch On will take place at 6.30pm with The Mayor of North Down & Special Guests.
Watch out for Fairytale Characters giving away chocolates throughout the locations – find the Golden Ticket to receive VIP Treatment for ‘Movie in the Hub’
The village of Groomsport will also be switching on their lights on Friday, November 28. There will be a short carol service for children and adults starting at 6.30pm in Groomsport Presbyterian Church, then The Mayor of North Down will switch the lights on at 7pm.
Please note these are primarily outdoor events, please dress appropriately. All events are subject to change. Admission and activities are all FREE.
For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com