Santa Claus could have the final say on where in the city the switch on this year’s Christmas illuminations are to take place, Derry Daily has learned.
Santa enjoying his holiday at a secret location.
No decision has been made to date to move the big switch-on away out of Guildhall Square.
For years, youngsters and their parents have thronged the city centre venue to see Santa Claus use his magical powers to light up the city for the festive period.
It is understood, Derry City Council, the organisers of the event, are considering an option to move the switch-on, one of the city’s most popular attractions, to Ebrington Square.
If the move did go ahead it would mean more people could attend as the Waterside venue which comfortably housed 15,000 music fans each day during the hugely successful BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend.
A council spokesperson said plans for the turn on where at “early planning stage.”
He added: “A range of options are currently being discussed and no decision has been made.”
However, Derry Daily has learned the final decision could rest with the man in the big red suit. Up until now he has magically appeared to thousands in the Guildhall Square but it is thought he is in favour of Ebrington.
With Derry being the City of Culture, he wants to give the youngsters a special treat and fly in his sleigh into the event for the first time. It is understood he believes the Ebrington site would be more suitable and provide better landing room for Ruldoph and co.
He is currently unavailable, believed to be taking a holiday, before returning to North Pole to oversee the Christmas preparations. He could be forced to return earlier than expected when he hears that shops in Derry have stocked their shelves with Christmas goodies.
However, his plan to move to the Waterside could be scuppered by local firefighters who have acted as his “little helpers” in the Guildhall Square.
Derry Daily has learned the firefighters, who offer their services free during Santa’s visit, are unhappy about the plans and are threatening not to provide emergency fire cover at the sleigh landing site. They fear the reindeer might eat up many of the sweets they help Santa distribute to the children.
We traced the man himself who is currently enjoying a sunshine holiday. He said he had “no comment” on the matter and asked that his holiday location be kept a secret.
As the reporter who tracked Santa down told him he wants an iPhone 5 for Christmas, we have bowed to his request.
Santa may be forced to court his vacation short as Christmas is fast approaching – a number of stores in Derry have already stocked their shelves with Christmas goodies.
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