Sound the trumpet of joy as towns across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough prepare to usher in the festive season with a glittering array of magical celebrations that will spread cheer among communities as they safely come together again to celebrate this most wonderful time of year.
Jingle all the way to Lurgan on Friday 19 November (3pm-8pm), Portadown on Saturday 20 November (1pm-6pm), Banbridge on Saturday 27 November (1pm-6pm) and Dromore on Saturday 4 December (1pm-6pm) for a magnificent kaleidoscope of festive entertainment, live musical performances and light switch-ons.
After another challenging year, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has unwrapped plans to ensure town centres, decked in all the splendour of the season, welcome locals and visitors back to the high street for the merriest and brightest of holiday celebrations.
Speaking about the forthcoming festivities, Lord Mayor Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, I’m thrilled to welcome people back to our town centres so that they can safely reunite and feel a stronger sense of togetherness while enjoying traditional Christmas celebrations in a socially-distanced way.
Our Magical Christmas Celebrations have been designed to offer a unique festive experience that brings joy back into children’s lives, rekindles hope and optimism among communities and supports the economic recovery of hard-hit retail and hospitality businesses in the lead-up to the busy festive period.
Supporting local high-street businesses has never been more important. With your help, we can use these events to kick start the busy festive trading period and make sure this year is one of the most prosperous ever.
With the pre-paid £100 high street voucher scheme extended until 14 December, take advantage of these events to gather in gifts, treat yourself or dine with friends or family.”
This year’s festive celebrations will dazzle and delight everyone, with laugh-out-loud street entertainment, pop-up performances and home-grown musical talent in abundance in each town. Meet the merry band of elves and captivating Christmas-themed characters on a walkabout. Capture magical moments on camera with a host of giant photo props on display at different locations around each town.
Don’t miss the main attraction as Santa brings extra sparkle and cheer when he is teleported from the North Pole to help switch on the Christmas lights.
The official switch-on ceremony will get underway at 7pm in Lurgan and at 5pm in Portadown, Banbridge and Dromore.
Be sure to avail of the free car parking in council-owned off-street pay and display car parks on the day of each Magical Christmas Celebration. Free car parking will also be available on Saturday 4, Saturday 11, Saturday 18 and Friday 24 December.
Communities across the borough will also be able to connect online at 7.30pm on Saturday 4 December for a Virtual Christmas Celebration at lightupourborough.com Visit this site to find out about everything that the borough has to offer over the festive period.
Share your magical Christmas pictures using the hashtag #LightingUpOurBorough
