SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO DOWNPATRICK

On Friday 27 November, Downpatrick will be full of hussle and bussle as crowds descend onto St Patrick Square for the annual Christmas Tree Switch On. The Square will be busy from 5pm-7.30pm as young children will have the opportunity to participate in the many free activities on offer including art workshops, face painting, photobooths, a carousel, balloon modelling, Snow Globe and an Inflatable Snow Man.

From 6pm the excitement will heighten as everyone waits for Santa and the Enchanting Lantern Parade as it makes its way from Down Arts to St Patrick Square. Santa and his helpers, the Ice King and the Snow Queen along with local primary school children; who will be carrying their customised twinkling lanterns, will no doubt have Market Street sparkling with Christmas spirit.

Don’t worry about cooking dinner as some local traders will be cooking up some tasty treats to purchase. St Patrick Grammar School choir will be performing some Christmas songs during the wait for the Christmas Tree Lights Switch On and Fireworks Display Finale.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie said, ‘This occasion will officially mark the start of Christmas here in Downpatrick and I have to say this has been one of my favourite duties to date. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a sprinkle of snow to end this spectacular evening. I hope that the season will be busy for the local traders and the council have invested heavily in this programme to ensure we see increased footfall across the town in the run up to Christmas."

Cllr Bailie continued, "The local traders will have a warm welcome for visitors and with a fantastic mix of shops here on offer in Downpatrick, there really is no better place to start the festive season. This years Christkindl offering has been enhanced at my request to incorporate the Scotch Street part of town. There we will have an array of Christmas themed craft stalls to accompany the food market offering in St Patrick's Square and situated businesses which line the main streets. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and A wonderful New Year."

For further information or a FREE copy of the Festival Programme please contact Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre on 028 4461 2233 or full event listings online at www.newrymournedown.org or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals.