DESPITE the chilly conditions Santa got the warmest of welcomes last night as thousands of believers turned out to watch him officially switch on the Christmas lights in Derry.
Local soccer legends the Oxford Bulls helped Santa flick the switch to illuminate the city and bring a bit of extra festive sparkle to the streets.
The team got a hero’s welcome as they joined Santa on stage with host Mark Patterson, during an evening which was filled with music, entertainment and plenty of Christmas magic.
It was a busy night for Santa as he headed straight on to Castlederg where the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, joined him to switch on the lights in his home town.
Over 8,000 people gathered in a flurry of snowflakes in the Guildhall Square for the celebrations which spilled into Waterloo Place, where there was a second stage to entertain the crowds.
Festivals and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said the event had been a huge success. “I was delighted to see such a fantastic turnout on a chilly November night.
“We were thrilled that Santa was able to make the time to come to the switch on and he received an amazing welcome by all the local children who turned out to see him, and of course his reindeer who waited for him in the Peace Garden.
“The additional pyrotechnics added a bit of extra sparkle to the event this year. I want to particularly thank the Oxford Bulls who got as big a cheer as Santa when they arrived on stage, I know Santa was delighted to get the chance to meet them after all their success.
“We look forward now to some great family fun events over the weeks leading up to Christmas.”
The Switch On marks the official start of the festive programme in Derry and Strabane with plenty of family festive fun events taking place over the coming weeks, including the Switch on in Strabane Town Centre this Saturday.
A special Winter Wonderland will be open at the Alley Theatre including a Christmas craft market and Santa’s Grotto from 10.30am – 4pm.
The festivities will continue in Castle Street with mini-funfair rides and carousel from 12noon – 4.30pm, while from 2pm – 5.30pm there will be entertainment and animation in Abercorn Square and Railway St with the Strabane Brass Band, balloon modellers, face painters and festive fun characters.
The magical Sound of Light procession will return to Derry this year featuring a whole host of Christmas characters, including the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum fairy, led through the city’s streets by the Keeper of the Forest, starting on Bishop Street at 6pm on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December.
The ‘Lost in Frost’ shows which are part of the Mayor’s Christmas initiative will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 &10 at the Alley Theatre in Strabane, and Saturday and Sunday 16 &17 at the Echo Echo Dance Theatre in Derry.
And for anyone who’s still deciding what’s to go on their Christmas List, Santa’s Post Box in Guildhall Square will open from November 28. Parents are reminded that children should post their letter no later than December 15th to be sure to receive a response from Santa.
For more information on all the Christmas events taking place over the coming weeks see www.derrystrabane.com/christmas
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