Newry Mourne and Down District Council get ready to fill the district with some Christmas Magic with a series of Switch On Events happening from 22 November until 7 December 2018.
It all kicks off with the flagship Light Switch Ons in Newry on 22 November and Downpatrick on 23 November.
The Newry event will be a hub of activity in The Event Space at Marcus Square, Hill Street, from 5pm on Thursday 22 November. The stage will come alive with musical performances; there will be FREE amusements, arts and craft workshops, face painting and balloon modelling. A Santa Fun Run will take place at 5.30pm, hosted by Southern Area Hospice Services, and the winner will be announced just in time for Santa’s arrival. Be there in time to watch Santa and his reindeer arrive to switch the lights on at 7pm followed by a pyrotechnic display.
Downpatrick will host the crowds in St Patrick Square on Friday 23 November from 5pm. The Enchanted Lantern Parade returns to kick off the celebrations. The parade will be led by Santa and his reindeer, starting from the Down County Museum and will make its way through English Street, Market Street to finish at St Patrick Square and join in the Christmas celebrations.
There will be FREE amusements, face painting, arts and crafts workshops and balloon modellers to keep everyone occupied as they wait for the lights to be switched on at 7.40pm. Keep your eyes peeled for the abseiling elves as they make their way down The Saint Patrick Visitor Centre to watch the fireworks display.
Council official spared no effort to doggedly track down Santa himself and he said speaking from the North Pole: “I am very impressed with how much is on offer at these events in Downpatrick and Newry! I would like to encourage everyone to come along on the night and get into the festive mood. Come and meet me and my reindeer, and who knows; there might even be a sprinkle of snow to end these exciting events. There really is no better place to start the festive season.”
Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch Ons will officially mark the start of the Festive Season in the District. I encourage everyone to attend the events and get into the Christmas mood. “
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Other Community Christmas Light Switch On events – Crossmaglen 30 November 7:30pm ; Newcastle 24 November 4pm; Kilkeel 1 December 12pm; Warrenpoint 1 December 3pm (switch on at 6.15pm); and Ballynahinch 7 December 6pm.
For further information please contact Newry Visitor Information Centre on 028 3031 3170 or Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre on 028 4461 2233 full event listings are online at:
www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
or facebook.com/VisitMourneMountains.
