Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden to host dedicated evening for children with specific needs

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to host an ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ at Antrim Castle Gardens

Press Eye Northern Ireland Friday 29th November 2019 Picture by Darren KIdd / Press Eye Northern Ireland’s Premier Christmas Experience, the Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden, will host a special ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ for children and adults with specific needs. Sponsors of the event, Castle Mall Shopping Centre, will host the evening of Inclusive Enchantment at Antrim Castle Gardens on Wednesday 18th December (4pm – 9pm) for adults and children with specific needs, including those who are sensitive to noise, lights and crowds. Attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels lowered, and strobe lighting and other strong lighting will not be used on the evening. Pictured standing L-R: Mark Cully, Ald John Smyth, Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ellen Boyd, Customer Accessibility Officer, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council and Pamela Minford, Centre Manager, Castle Mall Seated L-R: Luke Mullan and Sam McBride ENDS

Northern Ireland’s Premier Christmas Experience, the Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden, will host a special ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ for children and adults with specific needs. 

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, sponsored by Castle Mall Shopping Centre, will host the evening of Inclusive Enchantment at Antrim Castle Gardens on Wednesday 18th December (4pm – 9pm) for adults and children with specific needs, including those who are sensitive to noise, lights and crowds.

Attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels lowered, and strobe lighting and other strong lighting will not be used on the evening.

The Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden sees Antrim’s award-winning gardens transformed into a magical illuminated outdoor experience for all the family, capturing the joy and wonder of traditional festive celebrations.

It will feature an array of dazzling attractions including the the brightly lit 35-metre-high Ferris Wheel, the handsome Victorian Helter Skelter, the traditional fairground Carousel and the breath-taking Wave Swinger.

Visitors can follow the dazzling light installation of the tree-lined winter wonderland walk, where they will meet hidden creatures, street artist performers, fire jugglers, fairies and a magical reindeer.

Children will also get the chance to visit Santa’s workshop as they ride the Enchanted Express Mini Train through the grounds and catch a glimpse of Father Christmas and his busy elves preparing for the festive season.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth said: “We are delighted to once again host the hugely successful ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ at the Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden for children and adults with specific needs. 

“Delivered in partnership with Castle Mall Shopping Centre this inclusive event offers those who are sensitive to noise, light and large crowds the opportunity to come along and enjoy this magical experience without the usual hustle and bustle.”

Pamela Minford, Centre Manager at Castle Mall commented “We are delighted to be sponsoring an evening of Inclusive Enchantment at the Power NI Enchanted Winter Gardens, one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular Christmas events.

“Castle Mall is a shopping centre based in the heart of Antrim Town, established for over 30 years with many well-known retailers. The shopping centre will turn off their music on Wednesday 18 December to allow adults and children with specific needs who are visiting the Gardens, the chance to visit the shopping centre. We hope that everyone will pop in and say hello.”

Tickets for the ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ on Wednesday 18th December (4.30pm – 9.30pm) are available at www.enchantedwintergarden.com or in person at Clotworthy House / The Old Courthouse or by telephone 028 9448 1338.

Tickets are priced at £4 for an adult, £2 for a child (under two’s go free) and £10 for a family ticket, with tokens purchased separately for rides and attractions.

Free Car parking available at Central Car Park at Castle Mall and other Town Centre car parks.

The Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden will run from Friday 6December through to Sunday 22 December.