Christmas may look a lot different this year, however Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council still plans to share some festive cheer.
A ‘Virtual Christmas’ will be organised for each of the Christmas tree ‘switch ons’ across the seven District Electoral Areas (DEA’s): Antrim Town, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Glengormley, Mossley, Randalstown and Rathcoole. Plans for this festive programme ‘Log onto Christmas’ include an interactive children’s story with Mr Hullabaloo, radio presenter, live music, Santa, lots of prizes and many more sparkling surprises.
Reluctantly the Council has decided not to proceed with the annual flagship event, Enchanted Winter Garden. Given the nature of the event, the current circumstances relating to the NI Executive restrictions and the significant uncertainty about what might exist in November/December, a decision was made to bring the event back in 2021 bigger and better than before, circumstances permitting.
This award-winning event has grown annually to become one of Northern Ireland’s flagship Christmas experiences which attracted 85,000 visitors to Antrim Castle Gardens last year, with several thousand visitors attending each evening of the three week event run.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am looking forward to the Council’s virtual Christmas programme and the Christmas spirit it will bring to the many households across the Borough.
“We have all became more digital savvy during the recent months, and this innovative virtual programme will bring us all together during this particularly special time of year.
“It is unfortunate that Enchanted Winter Garden has had to be put on hold until next year. Public safety is paramount and I look forward to a bigger and brighter Enchanted Winter Garden Experience in 2021.”
Full details of our ‘Log onto Christmas’ virtual programme are available on our website; www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmas