CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM

The festive season will get underway at Down County Museum on 5 December from 11am - 5pm with a special event, Christmas at the Old Gaol, offering a packed day of yuletide entertainment.

This family friendly event will feature lots for children of all ages to do. Special shows by Jim and Dr Nick featuring juggling, acrobatics, magic and mayhem will take place at regular intervals throughout the day. Christmas craft making will give visitors the opportunity to make a wide range of seasonal objects, from colourful cards to sparkling tree decorations. There will also be festive music with performances by Mainstay DRP Community Carol Singers and the Newtownards Silver Band.

The highlight of the event will, of course, be Santa’s Grotto which is open all day. The Museum’s grotto is located in one of the cells of the Old Gaol and this makes it one of the most unusual grottos in Down, offering high quality gifts and a photos which is always popular with local families.

Admission to the Museum is free, however if you wish to visit Santa’s Grotto there is a charge of £7.50 which includes a present and photograph. The museum’s Christmas event is always a popular feature in the local Christmas calendar and provides a chance to sample all the best in Christmas entertainment in a unique location.

During the evening of Saturday 5 December the Friends of Down County Museum are organising a special evening of festive music and song. Join the Voices of Lecale at 7.30pm for Welcome Yule! Carols, Songs and Music for Mid-Winter. Admission to the event is £7.50 and this includes mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets for the event are available from the Museum by telephoning 028 4461 5218.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie said, "Down County Museum's annual Christmas event is one of the highlights of the Council’s seasonal events programme and a real favourite with local families. This year I am particularly pleased that the Friends of Down County Museum and the Voices of Lecale are adding to the popular event which is sure to get everyone in the festive mood."