Santa switches on Derry’s Christmas lights with the help of Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson and MC, Mark Patterson, BBC Radio Foyle.
Over 10,000 people packed to Derry city centre last night to welcome Santa for the Christmas lights switch on, marking the beginning of the city’s Festive Time programme.
Mayor of Derry Brenda Stevenson joined Santa on stage in the Guildhall Square after he swooped in specially from the North Pole, landing on the city’s historic walls.
After a bit of “hide and seek” fun and switching on the illuminations, he delighted the thousands of children by distributing sweets.
Speaking after the event. Derry Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson said: “I was absolutely thrilled to see so many young families out this evening to see the switch on – and meeting Santa was just the icing on the cake.
“Looking out at the sea of smiling faces, all there to welcome Santa, was just fantastic and it’s really put me in the festive spirit. And this is just the beginning of the Christmas fun!”
Meanwhile, the Christmas Village will open at Ebrington Square on 28 November featuring the LegenDerry Ice Rink, Festive Funfair and pop up cinema.
