Up to 10,000 people packed Ebrington Square in the Waterside for last night’s switch on of Derry’s Christmas lights,
It was the biggest crowd ever to attend the popular annual event which was staged in the Waterside venue for the first time.
Organisers Derry City Council had taken the decision to move from the traditional local in Guildhall Square to accommodate the anticipated larger turn out.
At one stage those who turned up early were asked to “take one step forward” and “one step to the left” to make room for hundreds waiting to get in the Square.
On arrival, Santa was greeted by compere for the night, Teresa Craig, from BBC Radio Foyle before jointing the Mayor to throw the switch.
The switch on was performed by Santa with the assistance of Mayor Reilly.
Before leaving Santa took to the sky to distribute sweets to the thousands of excited children.
The switch on also saw the launch of the Festival of Trees in which 120 different trees across the city were also lit up.
Timmy’s Toy Trail taking place today and tomorrow will see youngsters tracking down Timmy the Elf for the magic key to Santa’s Closet.
Derry will become a dazzling luminous landscape during the week when the spectacular Lumiere Festival of Light casts its glow over the entire city from November 28-December 1.
And as Christmas fast approaches, on 10 December the Guildhall Square will once again be transformed into a traditional Christmas market until December 21, brimming with fabulous crafts and fayre, from mince pies to mulled wine.
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