SANTA is ‘ho ho ho ing ’ all the way to the Borough of Coleraine to switch on the Christmas lights and officially kick off the Festive Season! He has told Coleraine Borough Council that he has dusted off his big red suit and will be coming to Coleraine on Friday 29th and Portstewart on Saturday 30th November.
The Christmas Lights Switch On is the biggest event in Coleraine Town Centre and is expected to attract thousands of people to mark the official countdown to Christmas in the Borough. Residents and visitors can look forward to an evening of festive fun and entertainment. In addition to Santa and the Mayor who will be leading the countdown, TV stars, Connor Grimes and Alan McKee, will be hosting the event. The two comedic actors who have recorded several TV series and currently appear in insurance advertisements will get the crowd in the festive mood from 6pm on stage in The Diamond. It will be a home coming of festive sorts for Coleraine man, Alan McKee a former resident of the Borough.
This year’s glistening street parade which will feature 100 local school children is entitled “Memories of Christmas”. The parade is based on iconic images and experiences of the season. The centre piece is a large Snow Angel and will also feature fairies, top-hatted gentlemen lantern bearers and angelic angels.
Mayor Harding and Santa will make their way through the Town arriving in style in a carriage pulled by two beautiful Clydesdale horses to switch on the Christmas lights at 7pm.
Riff Raff, the band for the evening and will then take to the stage for a set of popular hits while the young children can get to meet Santa in his Grotto and receive an early Christmas present!
Speaking ahead of the switch-on events, Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Harding commented, “Christmas is a special time for families and I would encourage everyone to come along to help get this joyful season off to a captivating start, by adding a touch of festive sparkle to Coleraine town centre. This FREE magical Christmas light switch-on party is one event not to be missed. I would also like to remind the children to have their Christmas lists at the ready and pay a visit to our special guest, Santa, who will be in his Grotto after switching on the Christmas lights.”
The festive frolics continue in the seaside town of Portstewart on Saturday 30th November when Santa and the Mayor arrive to light up the town at 4.30pm. This is an earlier lighting up ceremony than usual, so it is hoped the local Community will come out and support the event and their local retailers who will be open for business during these hours. A seasonal craft and collectable fair in Portstewart Town Hall from 10am until 5pm will also add to the festive activities.
Local man Brian Moore will take to the stage from 3.45pm hosting some fun and games and a little dance routine or two with festive characters before the big countdown. FREE festive face painting will also be available for the children to avail off while they wait for Santa’s arrival.
Santa who will once again be travelling with his trusted Clydesdale horses will make his way along the promenade to The Crescent, where accompanied by the Mayor he will switch on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm.
Following the switch on Santa will once again make his way to the Grotto where children of primary school age can make a special visit and avail of a Christmas gift. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Festivities continue courtesy of Portstewart Community Association.
For full details see www.northcoastni.com or call Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7234. Alternatively log onto Council’s website www.colerainebc.gov.uk for more information